Despite being around for quite a long time, cloud computing only recently began to gain real traction. This infrastructure provides the delivery of various services over the Internet, with on-demand and flexible resources. There are three different types of cloud computing services, each with their own respective perks, depending on how they’re implemented. So, let’s review the difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
IaaS offers virtualized computing resources; the whole infrastructure is implemented over the cloud. All components—from hardware such as servers and storage to software-like operating systems and applications—are handled on the provider’s side. The largest advantage of this variation is good scalability. Resources can be adjusted and modified on-demand, regardless of whether they’re being increased or decreased. IaaS is efficient for small to medium-sized businesses that want most of the low-level work done for them.
Due to its stability, IaaS is often implemented for backup purposes. This allows businesses continuous access to their data, even in the event of outages. Also, test environments can be set up in seconds, making the service more cost-effective for projects that are prone to changes. IaaS works on a pay-per-use principle, which makes it a safe choice for smaller companies with a limited budget.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
Whereas IaaS was more of an all-in-one package, PaaS providers take care of both hardware and software, but leave the application portion to their users. This variation is often preferred by developers who don’t want to start from scratch, as PaaS comes with all the necessary preinstalled tools and licenses. Since most of the elements are cloud-based, developers in different locations can work on the same project without any obstacles. Databases, coding tools, and operating systems are taken care of by the provider.
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While it doesn’t replace a complete infrastructure, PaaS is perfect for many businesses. These services offer cross-platform support, so you don’t have to worry about building an exclusively mobile, desktop, or a web app. Despite this, PaaS can be somewhat limited and restrictive in certain cases. Before making a decision, verify this option includes everything you need for your projects before moving forward.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
As the name suggests, SaaS exclusively provides software services that reside online. Everything can be run from the web browser after the user accesses his or her account. This accessibility is one of the largest advantages, alongside other benefits, such as automatic updates and regular maintenance.
SaaS is the perfect option when you need something to be available 24/7. Examples of SaaS implementations are everywhere—Gmail, Dropbox, Salesforce, etc. Since the service doesn’t deal with any hardware, the costs usually associated with the software are significantly reduced.
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Although these options share certain similarities, your ideal service will depend on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re just not sure which cloud computing services to adopt, 1+1 Technology can evaluate the best choice for your business. From IT packages to fully managed services, we can help you get started. Call us today at (925) 406-3881!
