Various Cloud Computing Models
- Last updated on
- April 30, 2021
- at 9:29 pm
IaaS, PaaS and SaaS. What Are They? How Do They Differ From Each Other?
In our previous blog, we saw why Legacy IT solutions don’t hold a candle to cloud computing. In this one, let’s take a look at the different cloud computing models.
Based on the service opted for, the CSPs (Cloud Service Providers) offer various features and various levels of operational management. The purpose of this blog is to have a comprehensive idea of the features and trade-offs of common cloud computing services.
Let’s take a look at the three most commonly used cloud computing models.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
The cloud providers deliver virtualization technology to their customers to help them build and maintain their servers, networks operating systems and data storage.
In the IaaS model, the customers are given an API (Application Programming Interface) with which they can control their own data infrastructure, without having to physically manage it on-site.
While the provider is responsible for the infrastructure, the customer is solely responsible for the selection of the operating system to be used and also for the configuration and management of the operating system and any software installed on it.
Although the IaaS is the least popular of the three common models, it has its own advantages:
- Removes the need to spend money on your own hardware.
- Supports a range of workloads with a flexible infrastructure that meets the requirements of the consumers.
- Boosts your systems to be more consistent, dependable and supportable.
- Hold the operational reigns to your operating system.
The popularity of the IaaS model has been going up in recent years. Currently, around 12% of the world’s enterprises work on the IaaS cloud computing model.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Developers can create online custom applications using the Platform as a Service (PaaS) model. PaaS provides a platform for its customers so that they don’t have to worry about data serving, storage or management.
PaaS strips down the operational overhead from developers by letting them upload the required code without concerning themselves with the added responsibility of managing the environment it runs on. PaaS is tailored to support web applications from their origin to their deployment and continues to offer support through maintenance and updates.
The service provider takes care of the database engine and its underlying hardware. The work of the customer is as easy as creating tables and adding data.
Of the three computing models, PaaS is the most popular in today’s market with 32% of companies relying on this model.
PaaS is really famous among many enterprises due to its benefits:
- Allows applications to be developed faster by cutting down on coding times.
- Deploy new web applications to the cloud in minutes.
- Uses middleware as a service to help simplify things.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
This model enables the CSP to deliver software that is hosted on a company’s server to be distributed to its users via the internet. This model is often found in businesses that follow a subscription-based business model.
While configuration options are limited, you don’t have to worry a thing about managing the stack as this will be taken care of by the service provider.
SaaS is the best option for businesses who want to collaborate with people from all over the world. You don’t have to deploy it to each specific device; instead, you can deploy it to an entire team or company as a whole, making it extremely flexible and scalable.
Accounting for roughly 24% of all enterprise workloads, it’s the second most popular cloud computing model.
SaaS is perfect for organizations looking for rapid growth.
Some benefits enjoyed by its users:
- Begin using a business app by simply signing up.
- Any connected device can have access to its services.
- No need to fear data loss as everything is synced to the cloud.
- Highly scalable to the needs of the user.
Aside from the common service models listed above, there are several others, like CaaS (Container as a Service) and FaaS (Function as a Service), that come with slight variations to the ones discussed above.
Worried About Security?
Confused about which model is right for your business?
SecuriCentrix will work with you to ensure whether you have made the right choice. We offer the following services:
- Secure your environment with Managed Security Services.
- Reduce your attack surface with our Pentesting Service.
- Attain compliance to your environment with our experienced and skilled consultants.
For a safe, secure and hassle-free business operation,