Saas vs PaaS vs Iaas: Choose the Right Cloud Computing Service Model

The shift from physical storage servers to the cloud is an excellent move towards the future. But it isn’t an easy task. If the complexity of choosing the right cloud computing is not enough, you will have to answer a lot of questions about the future course of action right now.

Choosing the wrong cloud computing service model is not a big mistake, but it is costly. Movement between one cloud computing model to another is easy, but you also need to understand the basic differences and the costs.

In this article, we will address all your concerns regarding the choice om f a cloud computing service model. Stay tuned until the end, as we will also delve into the reasons for adopting the cloud computing system.

Must Read: Cloud Computing Trends 2021 | Looking at the Technologies That Will Reshape the Future

Difference Between SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS

Let’ begin with a brief introduction of each service model; 

• SaaS (Software as a Service)

  Software as a Service cloud computing model is one of the most common ways for using cloud-enabled services today. Under the SaaS model, the software lends its services to the customers via the internet.

  As mostly software and online solutions are provided under this model, they usually come with a renewable subscription fee. Examples of SaaS include;

  • Salesforce
  • Canva
  • Google Drive

  The SaaS model is so widespread that in 2020, the market was valued at $120.7 billion and is slated to increase to $171.9 billion by 2020.

  Benefits of Using the SaaS model:

  • Saves Time: One of the first things you will notice with using SaaS software is the time you will save for not downloading and installing the solution. Plus, you will also get automated updates of the software included with the subscription cost.
  • Access Anywhere: Since a SaaS solution is not system-bound, anyone can use it from anywhere, anytime. All the person needs are the login details of the software.
  • Permission-Based: Even though you have the freedom of accessibility with a SaaS solution, you can also set access permissions. This means that you can set personalized logins for the people who will use the solution.
  • No Hidden Surprises: SaaS solutions are clear about what they offer and what is on the table. This way, you can plan accordingly and choose the best solution for your needs.
  • Customer Support: SaaS solutions are provided by a third party, which takes care of the upkeep and updates of the software. Plus, you will also get access to quick customer support for any issues while using the software.

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

  The second cloud computing service model is where you can access computing hardware from a third-party vendor. This includes machinery like processors, storage devices, or whatever is required.

  Have you ever come across a rental market whereby you can buy equipment or tools? Or you may have rented a car at some point? IaaS has a similar concept with the difference that here you will get the products required to set up your cloud computing systems.

  Examples of IaaS include;

  • Microsoft Azure
  • Rackspace
  • DigitalOcean

  Globally, the IaaS market size was worth $56.94 billion in 2020, and by 2025, it is expected to increase to $74.63 billion at a CAGR of 22%.

  Advantages of IaaS cloud computing service model:

  • Easy to Scale: IaaS cloud computing model is scalable. You can scale it according to your requirements and that too with ease. This is because you are working with a third-party vendor, and they can provide the required materials ASAP.
  • Consistency and Reliability: IaaS computing services are highly reliable because they offer seamless access to the hardware. If some equipment malfunctions or stops working abruptly, the vendors are responsible for supplying the equipment and preventing service outages. Moreover, IaaS provides spread-out services across multiple data centers and servers.
  • Easy to Deploy: With the IaaS cloud computing model, you can reduce the setup time to a great extent. Running servers, processing units, and storage or networking devices can be completed quickly.
  • Cost Efficient: Similar to other cloud computing models, IaaS is also cost-effective. In this, you are not bound to invest in buying new hardware and maintaining the same. Plus, everything is managed on the cloud; this also saves the space to keep the hardware and, as an extension to it, money as well.

• PaaS (Platform as a Service)

  Platform as a Service cloud computing model packs several solutions into one package. This includes the systems to help develop, manage, and deliver applications. Plus, you can also use this model to get storage and additional computing services facilitating high-quality applications.

  PaaS makes your development exercise more flexible and agile giving you the right solutions for improving software development and deployment. Since the developers are not bound by the limitations of the machinery, they are able to work more creatively.

  This is because the developers do not have to worry about software updates, security patches, etc. They work in an integrated environment where development, testing, and deployment become faster and better.

  Some examples of PaaS are;

  • AWS
  • OpenShift
  • Google App Engine

  Lastly, the global PaaS service delivery model was valued at $59 billion in 2020, and the predicted size is $101 billion in 2022.

  Advantages of using PaaS:

  • Great for Limited Resources: PaaS solutions let you create applications with pre-existing resources, which helps speed up the process. This means that you won’t have to start building an application from scratch.
  • Quick Development and Deployment: Since the PaaS cloud computing service model provides ready-to-use solutions, it fast tracks prototyping and development.
  • Access to Libraries: By virtue of being a complete solution, PaaS gives access to libraries, frameworks, and development templates along with additional tools. Using these tools and libraries can further speed up the development and simplify the entire process.

The effort to choose the best cloud service model requires understanding the basics, advantages, and drawbacks. We can create a hybrid model where you can combine any two of the three computing models discussed above. But for that, it would be great to know the limitations of using each of these models.

What are the Limitations of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS?

Completing the limitations gives us a better idea and the difference between SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS. To further understand the distinction between them, let’s talk about the ideal situations in which you can employ each of these cloud computing models.

When to Use SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS?

Reasons to Choose IaaS

In Iaas, the vendor will provide the infrastructure and ensure its excellent health. But you must be ready to manage things on your own.

Companies that do not want to set up a data center can choose the IaaS model as it helps them provide quick and cost-effective access to the required infrastructure.

In addition to this, companies that often face a variable workload can use this model to save money on new investments and then manage the equipment. The IaaS model is best for startups as they cannot invest everything in one go and need to procure the required hardware easily.

Reasons to Choose PaaS

Organizations that want to build agile work methodologies can choose PaaS as it helps them access up-to-date applications and services. Again, companies that develop and build solutions for the company or other clients need a PaaS computing network.

In addition, when companies need to manage the capital investment and reduce the overhead costs, they can choose this model to ensure that service delivery is not affected.

Lastly, bigger organizations looking to customize their applications can also use the PaaS cloud computing service model.

Reasons to choose SaaS

If your workings are such that you face an increase and decrease in the demand for the product or service you offer, SaaS is a better solution. This can be anything from taxation-based software to a platform for creating videos, etc.

Moreover, if you want web and mobile access to the services provided by the vendor, go with SaaS. Projects that need collaboration and teamwork can also be executed via a SaaS solution.

Lastly, new businesses that quickly want to start operations and not invest in setting up new applications or dabble with software updates are better off integrating with SaaS.

Is Choosing a Cloud Computing Service Model Necessary?

Adopting cloud computing models was necessary even before the pandemic hit. The lockdown and enforced work from home only cemented the importance and need for cloud-based computing systems.

With the increasing trend of remote work culture, we need systems that can help us collaborate and interact. Cloud systems make us more efficient and leverage the opportunities arising in the future.

Even though the cloud is crucial, it must also be important to choose the best cloud service model and provider. This is essential to remain competitive in the market and harness emerging technologies.

Cloud computing gives you the ability to build a flexible, scalable, and adaptable computing infrastructure.

Conclusion

With cloud computing, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Cloud is pivotal, but what model you will use for its implementation is also crucial to decipher. Well executed and adopted cloud computing service model can enhance your IT capabilities and streamline the operations.

Cloud implementation is growing, and its mass adoption is a sign of the evolving business ecosystem. So, based on the understanding given above, you can easily choose the best cloud service model.