Businesses and organisations are digitally transforming their industries by adopting changes to their working system through cloud services. Cloud technology has been available for more than a decade and are maturing each day. Generally, cloud service providers usually offer three types of cloud computing technology: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. These services vary in cost, function, and benefits, depending on the service providers.
Infrastructure as a Service
For Infrastructure as a Service or IaaS, cloud provider provides infrastructure such as storage, server, and networking resources, for respective clients through virtual means that are accessible through the Internet. Noticeably, these infrastructure components are usually present in on-premise data centers. IaaS does not only replace on-premise infrastructure components, but it is also responsible for providing services such as security, backup, etc. to complement the infrastructure components.
IaaS is easier to manage and more cost efficient than on-premise data centers because clients do not need to actually purchase and manage their own infrastructure. Since IaaS is purchased on a subscription based, clients do not have to worry about paying a large expense for deploying in-house hardware and software.
Platform as a Service
Platform as a Service or PaaS is an upgraded level of cloud computing service in comparison to IaaS. With PaaS, cloud providers will generally include infrastructure management like IaaS, with addition to several components such as middleware, development tools, business intelligence (BI) services, and data management system. PaaS allows users to focus on their products, services, or applications, while letting the cloud service provider manage everything else.
Much like the IaaS, PaaS is also a subscription-based cloud computing service. PaaS allows users to avoid capital expenses that come from buying hardware, software licenses, additional infrastructure, and other resources. PaaS upgraded service is more sustainable for long-term development of multiple platforms that are capable of supporting the maintenance and development of web application.
Software as a Service
Software as a Service or SaaS is the highest level of cloud computing services, where it has the function of IaaS and PaaS, with additional advantage to the service. With SaaS, users have access to applications in cloud-based apps. Apps such as planners, or Microsoft Office tools, will be available online regardless of the devices that the users are using.
Just like IaaS and PaaS, SaaS is also a pay-as-you-use service while allows users flexibility depending on their organisations or businesses usage. The service provider will manage everything for the users, including the infrastructure, middleware, app software, and app data.
How to choose?
At Enfrasys, we are transparent about companies’ usage of cloud services. Our experts are qualified to consult you on your business needs. Contact us today!