The three cloud operating models can be a little difficult to discern. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) will all help you reach your desired goal of enabling client devices to access data and cloud applications over the internet just by different means. Cloud computing is here to stay and will be integrated into more and more businesses in time.
A Simple Analogy to Describe the Cloud Computing Models:
SaaS – This is similar to using a bus to get you somewhere. You pay your fare, and the bus will take you to a predetermined destination. You have no say over how it gets there and no responsibility for it getting there. The bus company’s responsibility is to get you there safely, fix anything that goes wrong, and ultimately complete the trip.
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- Webmail, Google Workspace, Dropbox
PaaS– This is like being in a taxi; it will take you wherever you want to go and at whatever time you want to go. You have no responsibility for taking care of the car and just have to pay to use it for the trip.
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- Window Azure, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, OpenShift
IaaS – This is similar to owning your own car. It is yours to get you to your desired destination at any time. However, the burden is yours alone if and when anything goes wrong.
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- Amazon Web Service (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Rackspace
Is PaaS The Right Choice for Your Business Needs?
PaaS provides customers with a complete cloud platform of hardware, software, and infrastructure for developing, running, and managing applications. It limits the cost and inflexibility of building and maintaining that platform on-site. The cloud service manages everything besides the applications and services you developed.
Cloud computing models are designed to make working from anywhere virtually possible and are much more streamlined. Simply put, PaaS is a third-party provider offering hardware and software tools via the internet to paying customers. You operate within the framework of the software, while the provider manages the network, servers, and storage.
The Benefits of Using PaaS:
- Cost Effective – Since most PaaS are subscription-based, users pay per use. Thus, controlling what is spent to a degree.
- Productivity – App creation is much faster with PaaS providing the hardware and software necessary so you can work on your concept.
- Flexibility – You have the ability to use access any tool that you need, from anywhere that has an internet connection.
Drawbacks to Using Cloud Computing Models
These service models provide substantial advantages to a business, but like anything else, some risks come along with it. For one, not every component of your company’s system will be compatible with every PaaS.
You will also want to do your due diligence on researching a provider. Since they will manage and maintain your application’s infrastructure and you need someone that is reputable with a proven track record.
Lastly are the concerns that come from operating on the cloud and having your data vulnerable. Be sure to vet the cyber security features of any vendor you are considering. You will be running your application on this service, so ultimately it is your responsibility to make sure you have considered the security of your PaaS provider.
