Cloud computing can be defined as computing services delivered over the internet, offering various advantages to enterprises, being cost-effective and flexible in terms of resource use and management.
There are three main cloud service models: PaaS (platform as a service), IaaS (infrastructure as a service), and SaaS (software as a service). These models differ in how enterprises use cloud services in their business processes, their degree of management, and their specific requirements.
This article will delve into cloud service solutions, PaaS, IaaS, and SaaS, explaining their functionality and how businesses can choose between these three models.
1. PaaS
As a cloud service, PaaS provides enterprises with a cloud-powered environment in which they can create, run, and manage applications. Similar to IaaS, a cloud service provider hosts and manages the hardware, as well as the software the platform has.
Therefore, PaaS eliminates the need to install on-premises hardware and software development environments for developers.
Organizations can access the PaaS service using a GUI (graphical user interface). This interface allows teams to collaborate across the application processes such as coding, testing, deployment, and feedback. Payment options are often on a per-use or monthly basis.
Use Cases of PaaS
Management of APIs
PaaS facilitates the processes for developing and managing APIs for data sharing across applications thanks to its built-in frameworks.
Strategies for Native and Hybrid Cloud
PaaS solutions offer cloud-native development systems that allow consistent management across private and public cloud, as well as local IT environments in contrast to on-demand ones.
Benefits of PaaS
- Easier Team Collaboration: Thanks to the shared environment for software development, PaaS allows teams responsible for development and operations to access the required tools with ease over the internet.
- Risk Testing and Adaptability: Due to PaaS platforms having access to various latest resources such as new OSs, enterprises do not have to invest in infrastructure to run them. This also allows them to conduct testing of new technologies with ease.
- Faster Development: PaaS allows development teams to release their products and services to markets efficiently by speeding up the processes.
- Less Management: As the service provider is responsible for administrative tasks such as management and update of infrastructures, enterprises can focus on other important processes.
2. IaaS
IaaS is a type of service providing on-demand access to cloud computing infrastructure. Enterprises can manage the configuration and use this service similar to local (on-premises) hardware. Through IaaS, enterprises can access the tools required for application development.
The hardware is accessed over an internet connection, and payment is often done on a subscription basis, while per-use basis options are also available.
IaaS service providers offer their customers VMs (virtual machines) on shared and dedicated (unshared) physical hardware options. The servers and infrastructural resources can be operated through a graphic dashboard API, or programming interfaces by enterprises
The main difference between an IaaS and a local IT environment is that cloud service providers are responsible for the hosting, management, and maintenance of the hardware in their data centers.
Use cases of IaaS
a. Recovery Planning, IoT, and AI
IaaS can offer recovery solutions to cloud providers, eliminating the need to set up more servers than required in various locations.
IaaS plays a facilitative role in managing and processing high volumes of data and provides infrastructural support for technologies and applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
b. Startups
Due to their financial limitations, startups may not be able to invest in on-premises IT infrastructure. In this context, IaaS allows startups to access data center capabilities that are on par with that of enterprises.
This way, they can save resources without investing in hardware or concerning management.
c. Software development
IaaS allows infrastructure for testing and development environments to be set more efficiently in time. But depending on enterprise needs, PaaS could be more suitable for development purposes.
Advantages of IaaS
Unlike the capabilities of traditional IT, IaaS offers increased flexibility to enterprises and allows them to use computing resources as needed, as well as configuring them according to their traffic.
Additionally, IaaS lets customers cut financial expenditures to a degree, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain data centers.
As the data centers of IaaS are scattered around the globe, IaaS customers can use the closest available data center. This allows them to have access to apps and services with peak performance thanks to low latency rates.
3. SaaS
SaaS is a service that hosts pre-configured applications on the cloud, and the service provider manages the applications and all the infrastructure needed for enterprises, such as storage, servers, and networking.
These services can be accessed through a browser, desktop software, or a mobile application. The payment is often monthly or annual. The users can add features, especially more data storage at the cost of additional expenses.
Similar to the other cloud services, IaaS and PaaS, the service host manages upgrades, patches, and tasks required for maintenance. These include security and performance optimization secured through an SLA (service level agreement).
Use cases of SaaS-based services are widespread, as many including email, cloud storage, and social media platforms use some form of it.
At the business level, popular SaaS solutions include Sales Force Automation tools such as our SFA solution Octapull SFA, marketing software, apps improving team collaboration, graphics, and advanced video conferencing tools such as OctaMeet.
Benefits of SaaS
As SaaS providers are responsible for the management and host of the infrastructure and applications, users can start using the application and focus on their work, right after the registration process.
The SaaS provider handles the maintenance of hardware and software, as well as the security of the server. Therefore, users have lower chances of financial risks when it comes to trying new software.
Thanks to internet connection and browser support, users can enhance their productivity by accessing SaaS on various platforms.
SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS: Finding the Viable Solution
While SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS are not interchangeable as concepts, most mid-sized enterprises use more than one, and larger businesses use all three. Combining these solutions with traditional IT is also a common practice in industries.
The as-a-service solution customers choose ultimately depends on the functionality and features, that align with their specific requirements and expertise.
For instance, PaaS would not be a suitable option for an organization if its expertise or niche is not developed. Meanwhile, for the virtualization needs of companies, IaaS can fulfill this role.
The table below illustrates the differences between the cloud service models and which features the host provides and manages.
| On-premises | IaaS | PaaS | SaaS | |
| Applications | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Data | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| OS (operating systems) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Storage | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Networking | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Server | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtualization | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
In conclusion, PaaS, IaaS, and SAAS are cloud computing models that offer various benefits to enterprises in line with their business requirements. The use of more than one model is a common practice in industries, but choosing and implementing the most appropriate solution ultimately depends on the enterprises’ area of expertise.
However, any of the three ‘as-a-service’ models may be valid options in some cases, and regarding these use cases, the alternatives often have to be compared based on the criteria of organizations, such as ease of management, and control the alternatives offer.
