The future of cloud computing: SaaS, PaaS and IaaS

Posted by Christina James on October 7th, 2021

The future of cloud computing is looking brighter than ever. As more and more enterprises are switching to the cloud, we must understand the various types, differences and advantages they offer. The cloud is a popular choice for all types of businesses, regardless of size. It goes all the way to global enterprises and remains a broad software concept adopted by many.

There are plenty of cloud services growing by the day; however, three cloud service models with acronyms IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS stand apart in the crowd. These are the three main kinds of cloud computing that have the expansions, namely: Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). For each of these, this article will help you understand the key definitions and differences between them so that you can choose the best one suited for your organization.

Before we jump into the trio mix, let’s discuss what cloud computing is and why the future of computing is the cloud! Once we learn about how cloud empowers all businesses alike, we will help you understand the cloud computing variances, its benefits and what it does to scale your business and widen the scope of your business operations.

What is Cloud Computing and Why Does Your Business Need it?

Cloud computing uses the internet to perform different services such as storing, managing and processing data that is made available irrespective of a specific physical location. Therefore, anything stored and managed on the cloud can be accessed from anywhere instead of data being stored directly on your personal computer or device. However, the users may own this data, but they are maintained by third parties and can be accessed using the given security credentials.

So does your business need it? Well, the answer is yes if you are looking to scale and drive your business! Cloud computing is truly a future technology that provides access to data on the go storing data is not one but multiple data servers. This feature reduces the chances of your data being lost too.

More and more organizations are moving towards cloud platforms as its security and maintenance costs are low and are also less prone to crashes. In addition, they have realized that their data and other critical information are safer in the cloud than personal devices. Some of the major advantages of cloud adoption are affordability, scalability and, of course, security. By signing up for a cloud service, you ensure all these key characteristics that make your business way more dynamic.

Cloud Service Models: An overview of SaaS, IaaS and PaaS

Listed below are a brief overview of the three types of cloud models and their benefits.

SaaS: This model provides quick access to cloud-based web applications. In simpler words, users may use applications that run on the cloud and do not require installation or downloads. Most SaaS website designs come with features that allow you to buy a subscription or use it for free with limited access. Some of the popular examples of SaaS include G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, etc. This softwares is hosted by a provider who offers the latest version and new in-demand features for their customers. Few benefits of this model include:

• Highly scalable.

• It can be easily migrated to hybrid models.

• Limited coding.

• Cost-effective.

• Web-service integration with databases.

• Flexible access to numerous users simultaneously.

PaaS: This model offers tools and frameworks for developers to develop applications over the internet. It is very different from SaaS, which provides software over the internet, not tools. This cloud platform is managed and maintained by providers, especially the servers, storage and networking. Using PaaS means you do not have to worry about software updates, OS or infrastructure. Instead, third-party providers handle everything, and developers can commit themselves to the management of applications. Some of the benefits of this model include:

• Scalable

• Cheap

• Update software without tons of coding.

• Uses virtualization.

• Simple to run.

IaaS: IaaS is a model which provides infrastructure-related services such as computing, storing, networking, etc., on an as-needed basis instead of purchasing the hardware outright. Prominent providers of IaaS would include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), etc. These vendors offer computing resources through virtualization technology via a dashboard or an API, giving the users complete control over the entire infrastructure. However, unlike SaaS and PaaS, IaaS users must manage data, runtime, apps, OS, etc. The providers will, in turn, deal with servers, hard drives, networking, storage, etc. Few benefits are listed below:

• Cost-effective.

• Flexible.

• Scalable.

• Dynamic.

• Accessible by multiple users.

• Complete infrastructure control.

Cloud computing has become part and parcel of every small and large business alike. With this rise, the integration of UX design services into these applications becomes necessary to ensure growth in user base and customer satisfaction. Together as a team, UX and cloud computing provides value to your business by saving time, resources and helping in enhanced customer experience and acquisition.