To answer this question, we need to understand the different types of cloud computing models and how they suit the skill sets of the available personnel. According to Google Cloud, there are three main models for cloud computing: 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 management over the cloud resources and services1.
IaaS: This model provides access to networking features, computers (virtual or on dedicated hardware), and data storage space. It gives the highest level of flexibility and management control over the IT resources and is most similar to existing IT resources that many IT departments and developers are familiar with2.
PaaS: This model provides a complete cloud platform for developing, running, and managing applications without the cost, complexity, and inflexibility of building and maintaining the underlying infrastructure. It removes the need for organizations to manage the hardware and operating systems and allows them to focus on the deployment and management of their applications2.
SaaS: This model provides a completed product that is run and managed by the service provider. It does not require any installation, maintenance, or configuration by the customers. It is typically used for end-user applications that are accessed through a web browser or a mobile app2.
Based on these definitions, we can evaluate each option:
Option A: Run the web servers in PaaS, and run the databases and email in SaaS. This option is not the best match for the skill sets of the available personnel because it does not leverage their expertise in Linux and web-server engineering. Running the web servers in PaaS means that they will have less control and customization over the web server environment and will have to rely on the service provider’s platform features. Running the databases and email in SaaS means that they will not need any database administration or email management skills, but they will also have less flexibility and security over their data and communication.
Option B: Run the web servers, databases, and email in SaaS. This option is not a good match for the skill sets of the available personnel because it does not utilize their skills at all. Running everything in SaaS means that they will have no control or responsibility over any aspect of their cloud environment and will have to depend entirely on the service provider’s products. This option may be suitable for some small businesses or non-technical users who do not have any IT skills or resources, but not for a company that has skilled Linux and web-server engineers.
Option C: Run the web servers in IaaS, the databases in PaaS, and the email in SaaS. This option is the best match for the skill sets of the available personnel because it balances their strengths and weaknesses. Running the web servers in IaaS means that they can use their Linux and web-server engineering skills to configure, manage, and optimize their web server infrastructure according to their needs. Running the databases in PaaS means that they can leverage the service provider’s platform features to simplify their database development and administration tasks without having to worry about the underlying hardware and operating systems. Running the email in SaaS means that they can outsource their email services to a reliable and secure service provider without having to invest in or manage their own email infrastructure.
Option D: Run the web servers, databases, and email in IaaS. This option is not a good match for the skill sets of the available personnel because it puts too much burden on them. Running everything in IaaS means that they will have to handle all aspects of their cloud environment, including networking, computing, storage, security, backup, scaling, patching, etc. This option may be suitable for some large enterprises or highly technical users who have full control and customization over their cloud environment, but not for a company that has only a couple of skilled database administrators and little expertise in managing email services.
Therefore, option C is the correct answer.