The three main cloud computing service models are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each model has distinct characteristics that make it appropriate for addressing specific types of business objectives. Each cloud computing model offers cloud customers a varying degree of control and level of responsibility when configuring and securing a solution.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at the differences between these three cloud computing models to help you to choose the right one to address your unique business objectives.
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet. The services can include physical or virtual servers, storage, networking, and databases. Cloud computing also provides more abstract services such as access to analytical engines and business intelligence platforms.
Cloud service providers (CSPs) have developed cloud computing service models that provide different types of IT resources and support. Each model addresses a different set of problems a business needs to solve to be competitive in today’s market.
The market for cloud computing services continues to grow. Estimates expect the market size to reach $1,614.1 billion by 2030. That’s 1.6 trillion dollars spent on cloud computing in a few years, representing a CAGR of over 17% from 2022 to 2030.
Businesses of all sizes and types are migrating some or all of their IT environment to the cloud to take advantage of the many benefits offered by CSPs. These benefits include:
Let’s look at what differentiates the three main cloud computing service models. We’ll start by defining them and then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the three cloud service models.
In the IaaS model, the cloud provider supplies the customer with a customized infrastructure on which they can run any operating system or application. It’s the most flexible of the three cloud computing service models as it gives the customer almost total control of the infrastructure.
The advantages of an IaaS solution include:
An IaaS offering may pose disadvantages to customers including:
The PaaS model provides customers with a virtualized application development platform without the need for them to furnish hardware or system administration using in-house resources. All necessary infrastructure components and application development services are provided and managed by the CSP.
Some of the advantages of the PaaS model are:
Possible disadvantages of PaaS include:
SaaS solutions offer customers direct, online access to applications without any of the challenges of maintaining them, their platform, or infrastructure. Customers are essentially end-users of the software delivered through the SaaS model.
Many advantages can be enjoyed with an SaaS offering including:
Disadvantages of an SaaS solution include:
Each of the service models in cloud computing is designed to address a different set of business objectives or provide customers with innovative solutions to help them achieve their goals. An organization needs to choose the right model when opting for a cloud solution to effectively address its issues and obtain the maximum value from its investment.
IaaS is a viable choice when a company needs additional computing power but does not want to upgrade its on-premises environment. Organizations often opt for an IaaS solution to upgrade their infrastructure quickly vs. buying hardware and scaling over the course of several months. IaaS infrastructure increases flexibility and scalability of infrastructure and also doesn’t require physical capacity like an on-premise model. In addition, leveraging IaaS allows you to gain access to cutting edge technologies as they are released.
A PaaS solution is appropriate for companies that:
SaaS solutions are the easiest of the three service models of cloud computing to implement as they are primarily supported by the SaaS vendor. A SaaS offering should be used when a company:
Securing cloud resources is a responsibility shared by the CSP/vendor and the customer. Each party is responsible for the security of different aspects and components of a cloud offering. The degree of responsibility each party assumes is influenced by the choice of cloud computing service model used to implement a solution. Some vendors may implement a modified version of the shared responsibility matrix.
The following outline provides details on the security responsibility of a CSP and its customer.
Cloud provider:
Customer:
Cloud provider:
Customer:
Cloud provider:
Customer:
Cloud computing will continue to grow as more businesses take advantage of its benefits and CSPs develop innovative offerings to attract new customers. Familiarity with the three service models of cloud computing can help you align your business requirements with the appropriate infrastructure, platform, or software.
Businesses interested in these benefits and in optimizing their cloud investment should consider working with an experienced managed service provider (MSP) like Cloudticity. Cloudticity brings a wealth of experience in helping healthcare businesses identify and implement the right solution to address their needs. Partnering with Cloudticity is an excellent first step toward maximizing the value of cloud computing for your business.
To learn more about how you can make the most of your cloud investment, read the white paper Maximize Cloud Value for Health Tech. Or schedule a free consultation to learn how we can partner together for your cloud transformation.