IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS — 3 options for businesses in the Cloud

As more and more companies migrate to the cloud, they need to consider which cloud delivery model suits them best, because there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution.

Quite a few businesses opt for a hybrid model which can combine a number of categories of cloud computing, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

All three services require a different degree of management, with each offering companies varying degrees of control over their operations.

Let's take a look at the differences between the three different cloud service options, along with some examples of each.

What is IaaS?

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platforms provide users with a virtual computing infrastructure that’s delivered through the internet.

This infrastructure is provisioned and managed by a cloud service provider (CSP). Businesses can buy resources on demand, on a pay-as-you-go basis, without the need to purchase on-premises hardware. Users can access the operating system, data, apps, middleware, and runtimes via an API (application programming interface).

IaaS offers flexibility since users only have to buy the components they need and can easily scale them up and down as required. There are low overheads since there’s no need to buy costly hardware and servers, and no maintenance costs. IaaS provides companies with a fast way to build development and testing environments.

Drawbacks could include security issues, as providers need to share resources across multiple customers.

Public cloud providers like AWS’s EC2, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine, Rackspace, and Cisco Metapod are examples of IaaS.

What is PaaS?

Platform as a Service (PaaS) contains the same infrastructure as IaaS, along with development tools, business intelligence, and database management.

This gives customers the development and deployment environment in which to build and deliver their own cloud-based apps. PaaS is provided on a pay-as-you-go basis via a cloud service provider.

The advantages of PaaS are that developers can run code, build and run apps without the hassle of having to do software updates or maintain hardware.

Examples of PaaS include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Heroku, Google App Engine, Apache Stratos, and OpenShift.

What is SaaS?

Software as a Service (SaaS) gives users access to cloud-based apps like Microsoft 365 and other email and office tools, via a web browser.

The vendor holds all the infrastructure, middleware, and app data, and they manage all the software updates, bug fixing, updates and maintenance.

Users simply connect to the app via a dashboard or API, so they don’t have to install software onto individual machines. This service is purchased on a subscription basis, so users can scale up or down according to their levels of usage.

The provider and customer can draw up an SLA (service level agreement) which outlines the minimum downtime, availability, and resolution times in case there are problems.

SaaS is a good option for smaller businesses without enough bandwidth to oversee software installations or the staff to handle updates. The downside could be that users have less control and lack security or performance compared to the other options.

Examples of SaaS include Outlook and Gmail, where users can log into their account from anywhere on any device; also, Salesforce, Concur, Dropbox, and Cisco WebEx.

As Cloud Computing continues to evolve, businesses need to consider how they will migrate to the cloud, the different options they have, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Are you ready for the Cloud?

For the past twelve years in a row, we’ve been named one of the Top 20 IT Training Companies in the World. We offer accelerated courses in all aspects of Cloud Computing, from app development to architecture, AWS to Microsoft Azure, and many more. Perhaps one of them is right for you? See them all.