SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS: Which One Is the Right Choice for Businesses?

During the early days of cloud technology, a big doubt most businesses had was whether or not they should adopt public cloud services. However, considering the numerous benefits of cloud for businesses, almost all companies today use at least some public cloud service for their operations.

The more important thing to consider is which type of cloud service should they use SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).

At present, SaaS is the most popular platform, which accounted for about two-thirds of spending on the cloud in 2017. However, IDC expects that PaaS and IaaS would grow faster through 2020.

If you are considering switching to the cloud, it’s essential to know the differences and benefits of these cloud services and understand how to select the best one for your business.

Understanding SaaS: Software as a Service

SaaS is the most popular form of cloud services. It refers to a subscription-based model where the provider offers cloud-based application which can be accessed through the Internet. The application is centrally managed, and you don’t need to install or configure anything. Once you get the login and password, your application is ready to go.

SaaS Delivery

As the model is web-based, it eliminates the need to incur the expense of purchasing and maintaining application servers and software, a nightmare for IT staff. The cloud service providers manage all the technical issues which may occur like data middleware, storage, and servers, while accounting firms can simply streamline their support and maintenance.

SaaS Advantages

One of the key benefits of SaaS is the ease-of-use it offers. To work on this platform, you don’t need any special skills. In most cases, you can get started in just a few minutes.

It also reduces a significant amount of money and time consumed on monotonous processes like installing, maintaining, and doing regular updates. Most cloud vendors charge a monthly fee per user. Thus, companies know ahead of time what their bills would be each month which can help them make better business decisions.

SaaS Characteristics

Below are some of the characteristics of SaaS:

• Available over the Internet
• Hosted on a remote server by a third-party cloud service provider
• Controlled from a centralized location
• Scalable, with different tiers for SMBs and enterprise-level businesses
• Users aren’t responsible for software or hardware updates

Examples of SaaS

Examples of SaaS include: Citrix GoToMeeting, Google Apps, Office 365, Netflix, Cisco WebEx

When to use SaaS?

SaaS can be beneficial in different situations including:

• Short-term projects which need collaboration
• Small companies or startups which need to launch e-commerce quickly and don’t have resources or time for hardware problems
• If you are using applications which usually are not much in demand
• Applications which require both mobile and web access

Understanding PaaS: Platform as a Service

PaaS is a cloud computing model in which a third-party provider provides software and hardware tools to users over the Internet on a pay-as-you-go basis. Therefore, it frees users from having to install their own software or hardware to run or develop an application.

PaaS Delivery

PaaS model provides a platform to the users for software development. It is delivered on the internet and allows developers to build the software without worrying about storage, OS, regular software updates, and infrastructure.  As these applications take on some of the cloud characteristics, they are highly available and scalable.

PaaS Advantages

With this platform, developers don’t need to start from scratch while creating applications. As the amount of coding is greatly reduced, it helps them save a lot of time and money.

With this platform, the development and deployment of applications become easier and cost-effective. It also provides developers the capability to build customized applications without the need to maintain the software.

PaaS Characteristics

Below are some of the ways to help you determine when PaaS is being utilized:

• Web services and databases are integrated
• Built on virtual technology – resources are highly scalable according to business requirements
• Many users can access the same development application
• Offers various services to help with the development, deployment, and testing of applications

Examples of PaaS

Prime examples of PaaS include Windows Azure, Cloud Foundry, and Red Hat’s OpenShift

When to use PaaS?

Usage of PaaS is helpful and even essential in many situations. In case different developers are working on the same application, or if vendors are also to be included, the platform can offer great flexibility and speed to the process.

PaaS is also helpful in case a developer wants to create his own customizes applications. The platform can simplify many challenges which may occur if they are developing an application, along with reducing the costs.

Understanding IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service

IaaS is a form of cloud computing which provides virtualized computing resources over the Internet. Operating systems and virtualization technology can be rented to manage these resources. IaaS is the second popular delivery model for cloud services. According to a survey by Crowd Research Partner, 36% of companies are running IaaS in production and 50% intend to deploy in the future.

IaaS Advantages

IaaS platform rapidly scales up and down according to the business needs, letting them pay only for what they use. It helps accounting firms reduce expenses and complexity of purchasing and maintaining their own physical servers and data center infrastructure.

Another benefit of IaaS is that the service can be accessed from anywhere through the Internet. As the underlying physical hardware is set up and maintained by a third-party provider, it helps you save time and cost.

IaaS Characteristics

Below are some of the characteristics of the IaaS platform:

• Cost-effective
• Resources are available as a service
• Accessible by multiple users
• Highly scalable and flexible
• Offers control of the infrastructure

Examples of IaaS

Some of the common examples of IaaS include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Digital Ocean, Rackspace, Google Compute Engine, Linode, Microsoft Azure, and Cisco Metapod

When to use IaaS?

• With the help of IaaS, accounting firms can run their application or website.
• IaaS can also be used to analyze huge amounts of data or data mining, as it needs incredible computing power. The platform is the most economical way to get it.
• The model is the best solution to build virtual data centers for big companies that need a highly scalable, effective and secure environment.

What Is the Right Choice for My Business – SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS?

Each cloud platform has its own features and usability. It’s important for your company to be aware of the differences. In fact, the best option depends entirely on your business goals. So, consider your business needs first. Here are some of the common requirements which can be met easily with suitable cloud service:

• SaaS is the best option if your company needs out-of-the-box software such as collaboration, CRM or Email.
• PaaS would be a good option is your company needs a platform to build software products
• IaaS would be a good option if your company needs a virtual machine

If you think you can’t make the right choice among these on your own, we can help you find the right fit for your business. Connect with our Solutions Consultant now!