On Premises, Colocation, IaaS, PaaS or SaaS?

About this interactive

The lesson's stack runs from the data center (cooling, power, the ISP connection) through networking, storage, servers and virtualization to the operating system, middleware, runtime, data and the application. - **On premises:** you provide and manage all of it, a mini data center of your own. - **Colocation:** the provider runs the data center; you install and manage your own networking, storage and servers, and everything above. - **IaaS:** the provider runs the whole infrastructure up to virtualization. You turn up a machine and manage from the operating system up. - **PaaS:** the provider also runs the operating system, middleware and runtime. You manage your application and its data. - **SaaS:** you do not manage the application either. You log in and use it, managing only your own part, like an inbox. This is the shared responsibility model: the line between the provider's part and yours moves up the stack.

What you'll learn

Identify on premises, colocation, infrastructure as a service, platform as a service or software as a service from what the customer manages and what the provider manages
Apply the shared responsibility model: the provider's share of the stack grows from colocation to IaaS, PaaS and SaaS

Aligned to

CompTIA Cloud+

1.1 Analyze the different cloud models to design the best solution to support business requirements.

CompTIA A+ Core 1

4.1 Summarize cloud-computing concepts.

Cisco CCST Networking

1.4 Compare and contrast cloud and on-premises applications and services.

Key terms

On-Premises: An infrastructure deployment model in which hardware and software are hosted locally within an organization's own facilities rather than in a cloud provider's data center. On-premises deployments give organizations full control over their security posture.
Colocation: A data center model in which an organization rents physical space, power, cooling, and network connectivity from a third-party facility while retaining ownership of its own servers and equipment.
Infrastructure as a Service: A cloud service model that provides virtualized computing infrastructure over the internet.
Platform as a Service: A cloud service model that provides a platform for developing, running, and managing applications without managing infrastructure.
Software as a Service: A cloud service model that delivers software applications over the internet on a subscription basis.
Shared Responsibility Model: A framework that defines how security and operational duties are divided between the cloud service provider and the customer based on the service model in use.

Topics

Cloud Service Models Iaas Paas Saas Colocation Shared Responsibility Interactive Categorize

About TechKnowSurge

TechKnowSurge builds IT and cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, concept-first training built around real understanding — not memorization. Free interactive tools, structured programs, and 25+ years of real-world experience, all in one place.

Explore free tools and programs →