SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS are the primary three types of cloud computing as-a-service choices. Every one of them covers a different level of management for you. So, let’s explain a little bit more about SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and cloud computing and how you can use them to build an environment that satisfies all of your needs.
Cloud computing – definition
Cloud computing is an on-demand supply of various computing services or resources through the Internet in exchange for a defined fee. That way, you can get all the things you need, such as data centers, servers, storage, databases, software, security, really quickly and without the necessity to actually own them.
For sure, cloud computing entirely changed the model of receiving these services. It lowers the operation costs of many customers because they are not required to purchase and maintain data centers and numerous services.
SaaS
SaaS stands for software as a service additionally called cloud application services. It provides a complete application that is managed by a provider via a web browser. The customer receives software that is ready to use. As a customer, you are not able to make any modifications to the particular software, and you receive the features which are included in the specific plan you chose.
On the other hand, the provider of SaaS has the responsibility for networking, storage, servers, virtualization, OS, middleware, runtime, data, and app. In addition, it is responsible for taking care of and maintaining errors, bug fixing, software updates, and generating new features.
- Advantages: It is very easy to start implementing it and also to use it. Additionally, you are not required to maintain any of the services.
- Disadvantages: You don’t have any control over the software and the development. Additionally, these services are vendor lock-in. As a result, it is more difficult to migrate to another provider.
- Examples: Dropbox, Microsoft 360, Skype, Google Apps
PaaS
Platform as a service, or shortly PaaS is a great option for development. This cloud computing type of service supplies you with networking, storage, servers, virtualization, operating system (OS), middleware, and runtime already operating smoothly. That gives a chance for developers to start writing code directly. When you start implementing PaaS, you are answerable for all of the data and the various apps which you are going to need.
- Advantages: It is easy to use due to the fact that almost everything is pre-installed. You only have to select the needed applications and start operating with them. Additionally, you are not concerned about taking care of the operating system (OS) or the infrastructure.
- Disadvantages: A single PaaS provider may not support everything that you want. Additionally, the provider is responsible for the storage. Therefore, it could not be absolutely secured.
- Examples: Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, Heroku
IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service, or shortly IaaS, is going to provide you with an open canvas. The provider of this service is accountable for taking care of the infrastructure, meaning networking, storage, servers, and virtualization. The customer is left to take care of the middleware, runtime, data, operating system (OS), and apps.
It is a perfect opportunity when you want to go to the cloud and leave behind the on-premise server.
- Advantages: It is a way cheaper option compared to a local server. Additionally, any infrastructural issues are not your concern.
- Disadvantages: You still have to maintain the system and the software.
- Examples: Rackspace, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud
Conclusion
These three types of cloud computing, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, are really great. Make sure to choose the type of service which is going to suit your needs the most.