Cloud computing has become a staple in business strategy and IT architecture over the past years. It provides the simplest and quickest access to myriad hardware and software over the internet. Compared to traditional on-premises infrastructures, cloud-based solutions such as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS offer a host of benefits. Let’s take a look at these and find out which cloud computing service is best for your business.
1. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
Unlike software that you install on your computer, SaaS solutions are apps that are hosted on a provider’s servers. Easily the largest and most well-known cloud-based service, SaaS uses the cloud to process app functions for users. When a user opens a mobile or web browser app, the device merely sends inputs to a data center. The data center then processes the inputs and sends its outputs back to the user's device. As long as users have an internet connection, they can access the software from any device, at any time.
With SaaS, your provider is responsible for software maintenance and updates. It means all users will use the same version of the software and get updates at the same time. As a business owner, this means that managing the software is easier and affordable.
SaaS software solutions include office document creation suites, accounting software, email service, HR solutions, content management tools, customer relationship management systems, and more.
In a nutshell, SaaS is:
- Available over the internet
- Hosted on a remote server by a third-party provider
- Scalable, with different tiers for small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses
- Inclusive, offering security, compliance, and maintenance as part of the cost
2. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
PaaS is used by developers who need a virtual environment for developing and testing their custom software or apps. This means developers don’t need to build and maintain their own infrastructure. It is comprised of networking devices, storage, servers, an operating system, and other necessary hardware and software — when developing applications, saving the firm time and money.
Most companies that utilize PaaS do so to either host or develop their own software solutions, or provide support for software used by employees. But while PaaS is gaining popularity with many small businesses, most won’t have firsthand interactions with this type of cloud unless they need to build their own software or app.
In general, PaaS platforms are:
- Accessible to multiple users
- Scalable, as you can choose from various tiers of resources to suit the size of your business
- Built on virtualization technology
- Easy to run without extensive system administration knowledge
3. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
IaaS offers services such as pay-as-you-go storage, networking, and virtualization. The most popular and well-known type of IaaS is the virtual machine — a digital version of a computer or server that is accessed over the internet. IaaS gives users cloud-based alternatives to expensive on-premises infrastructure so businesses can use their funds to invest in other things.
In other words, if you are looking to virtualize your systems via the cloud, IaaS is a good place to start. It allows you to move existing support systems into the cloud.
IaaS is essentially:
- Highly flexible and scalable
- Accessible by multiple users
- Cost-effective
While the cloud offers a wide variety of benefits and solutions, choosing the service which is best for your company’s needs can be tedious. To ease this burden, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you find the best solution your business needs so you can focus on running your business.
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