Cloud computing has transformed how businesses operate, offering unparalleled agility, elasticity, and cost savings. But with the variety of options available, how do you choose the right one for your organisation? The key is to understand the different cloud computing services models. In this blog post, we’ll break down the three main types of cloud services: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS), and explain how they can fit into your business environment.
What is cloud computing?
At its core, cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the internet, using a pay-as-you-go pricing model. Instead of buying, owning, and maintaining physical data centres and servers, you can access technology services like computing power, storage, and databases on an as-needed basis directly from a cloud service provider. We go into a more detailed explanation here.
The three main cloud computing services models
The benefits of adopting cloud computing are significant, and according to Lavania Naidoo, a business analyst at BBD, “all of them can reap valuable gains, if the correct cloud computing service model is chosen and implemented.” Choosing the right model is crucial. Each of the three main cloud computing services models – IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS – provides a different level of control, flexibility, and management.
1.) IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
IaaS provides the basic building blocks for cloud IT. It typically offers access to networking features, computers (virtual or on dedicated hardware), and data storage space.
“IaaS gives you the highest level of flexibility and management control over your IT resources,” says Lavania Naidoo. This model is ideal for businesses that want to manage their own applications, data, and operating systems while leveraging the core infrastructure provided by the cloud service provider.
2.) PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS removes the need for you to manage the underlying infrastructure, such as hardware and operating systems. This allows you to focus solely on the deployment and management of your applications.
As Naidoo explains, “PaaS helps you be more efficient as you don’t need to worry about resource procurement, capacity planning, software maintenance, patching, or other undifferentiated heavy lifting.” This model is perfect for developers who want to streamline their work and get products to market faster.
3.) SaaS (Software as a Service)
SaaS provides you with a complete product that is run and managed by the service provider. A common example is web-based email. With a SaaS offering, you don’t have to think about how the service is maintained or how the underlying infrastructure is managed.
“You only need to think about how you will use that software,” says Naidoo. This model is a great fit for end-users who simply need to access and use an application without any concern for its technical management.
How do these models fit into your environment?
Businesses of all sizes and industries use the cloud and its different service models for a wide variety of use cases. Some of the most common applications include:
- Data backups and disaster recovery (IaaS)
- Email capabilities and virtual desktops (SaaS)
- Software development and testing (PaaS)
- Big data analytics (often a combination of IaaS and PaaS)
- Customer-facing web applications (IaaS, PaaS, or a combination)
By understanding the distinct advantages and levels of control offered by each of the cloud computing services models, you can make an informed decision that will drive efficiency, innovation, and growth for your business. Get in touch with BBD cloud expert today and let’s build something great together