Learning in the Cloud, Cloud Models & Deployment

The so-called Cloud is one of the hottest and most growing Technology trends. But “cloud” is a wide term that embraces multiple meanings, as well as different contexts and applications.

In this article, the E-Learning analyst Craig Weiss talks about what Cloud is, with an overview on different Cloud Models and Deployments.

1 – What is “in the Cloud”?

• Accessing and using online services including software and applications rather than purchasing or installing software and hardware
• Access is available not only via a desktop computer or laptop but with any type of device which can tap into the internet
• Infrastructure, platforms, data and even hardware is available in the cloud

2 – Cloud Models

SaaS	Software as a Service End user accesses applications and software in the cloud Most often used model
PaaS	Platform as a Service Infrastructure or environment Enables end user ability to build applications and build upon pre-existing applications within that environment
IaaS	Infrastructure as a Service Virtualization in the cloud Servers, storage, operating systems, data centers, delivery networks, databases

3 – Cloud Deployment

Community	Infrastructure is shared between multiple organizations from a specific community Often has same concerns such as compliance or security Can be managed and hosted internally or by a 3rd party
Public	Infrastructure provisioned by cloud provider for open use by the general public May be owned, managed or supported by educational institution, government, company or combination
Private	Infrastructure provisioned solely for a single organization, Can be managed internally or by a third party and hosted internally or externally
Hybrid	Infrastructure is a combination of two or more clouds Often unique entities bound together Offers benefits of multiple deployment models

 

While there are four types of cloud deployment in 2012, we believe that an extension of the hybrid type will become dominant in the industry. Hybrid next generation which will be the key driver for the learning management space by 2020. The e-learning market as a whole will be split between hybrid next generation and private.

 

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Download the Report

This is an excerpt from the Craig Weiss‘ report “SaaS Learning Management Systems For the Small Business Market“: in order to know more, you can download the whole Report for free!