NIST Cloud Service Models

Compare and contrast the cloud computing service models defined by NIST.
Integrate practical examples of organizations you have researched that that are using the various platforms, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Provide full citations and references, formatted according to Strayer Writing Standards.

Comparing NIST Cloud Computing

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines three primary cloud computing service models: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each model provides different levels of control, flexibility, and security, making them suitable for different organizational needs.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides virtualized computing resources over the internet, including servers, storage, and networking. Organizations manage their applications and operating systems while the cloud provider handles infrastructure maintenance.

Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading IaaS provider. Companies like Netflix use AWS to scale their video streaming services globally without maintaining physical data centers (Amazon Web Services, 2023).
Advantages: High scalability, cost efficiency, and flexibility in choosing operating systems and applications.
Disadvantages: Requires skilled IT personnel for management and security configuration, potential cost overruns due to resource consumption.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

PaaS offers a managed platform for application development, eliminating the need for businesses to manage the underlying infrastructure. Developers can focus on coding while the provider handles OS updates, databases, and runtime environments.

Example: Google App Engine is a PaaS solution used by Snapchat to build and scale its mobile application without managing hardware infrastructure (Google Cloud, 2023).
Advantages: Faster development, built-in security, and automatic updates.
Disadvantages: Limited control over system configurations, potential vendor lock-in.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

SaaS delivers fully managed software applications accessible via a web browser. The provider handles all updates, security, and infrastructure.

Example: Microsoft 365 is a widely used SaaS platform that enables organizations like Coca-Cola to enhance collaboration through cloud-based productivity tools (Microsoft, 2023).
Advantages: Easy deployment, minimal maintenance, accessibility from anywhere.
Disadvantages: Less customization, reliance on internet connectivity, potential data security concerns.This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all supports. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.APA