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Cloud computing is basically separated into two parts: front end and back end [15]. The internet connects both these parts together to form a cloud computing system. The front end deals with the customer’s interaction with the system and it consists of the client’s computer and application needed to operate the cloud, whereas the back end is nothing but the cloud getting accessed in the system, which comprises of computers, servers and storage devices. The central server of the system is used to monitor traffic, manage the system and direct client demands. It is bound to certain rules and protocols and makes use of “Middleware”, a software that facilitates communication between various networked computers [15].

Figure 2. Tiers of a cloud computing design.

Figure 2 shows the different tiers of cloud computing design.

A client using a cloud system possesses computer hardware and/or software to access the specific application on the cloud, the combination of which can be designed to deliver the application instantly using cloud services [16].

A cloud application provides a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) service through the internet without actually having to install and run the application on a client’s system [16]. Some of the important characteristics of a SaaS are: it has network-based access and the software is managed over the internet, enabling operations from a central location via the internet [16].

Another important part of cloud computing is the “Platform as a Service” (PaaS). It provides a computing platform that consists of all the applications a client wants to deploy with any given cloud infrastructure. Using the PaaS, developers can control and manage all the systems and settings required to design, test and deploy any web application [17].

Lastly, the required infrastructure is provided using the “Infrastructure as a Service” (IaaS). This service is scalable and the client only has to pay for the amount he uses. Thus, cloud computing makes its customer achieve faster delivery in less cost [17].