Cloud services are increasingly gaining popularity in the corporate world. Cloud services refer to a variety of services provided via the internet to companies from host servers. The services make the company’s services such as storage and transmission efficient and effective.
Cloud computing providers offer and manage these services to clients. The client does not need to install the infrastructure within their premises; it is sourced directly from the vendors.
The expanding cloud services are providing real-time solutions to companies’ needs. With various types of cloud services, all solutions are available to clients.
Basically, there are four different models of cloud services which are IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, and DaaS.
It’s not enough to know that there are cloud services; more important is to know what the different models are and what they entail. We will look at each model; know what it is, how it functions, and its benefits.
IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service commonly known as IaaS is a service that offers an internet-based infrastructure to clients. It provides operating systems, servers, and networks that are useful in the management of a company’s systems.
The company does not need to install any software within its premise since IaaS provides the complete database. This helps the company to save on costs that would go to the maintenance of hardware, software, or other facilities like buildings.
The client has the freedom to choose their hardware components and operating system model, giving it an upper hand over PaaS and SaaS.
However, the organization should have technical experts to install the servers, security, hardware, and networks.
Using IaaS has multiple benefits to the user. They include;
- Scales options by providing resources that are easy to use
- The ability to specify your own hardware as well as set up your operating system that is tailored to the companies’ needs
Since it’s externally sourced and managed, the client does not incur any hardware maintenance costs.
Google Compute Engine is one of the examples of IaaS on the Google Cloud Platform. With this platform, clients have the option of setting up virtual machines to be used in a similar manner as a normal computer. Google platform provides the service hence no extra cost is charged for using this service. Other examples of IaaS are Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.
PaaS
Platform as a Service or PaaS is a cloud service model that provides a web-based platform for clients to develop and manage cloud applications. PaaS offers web servers, programming language, and operating systems that enable the client to develop cloud software. The development and management of applications within the organization become faster and easier.
For organizations that need to develop their own software from the existing software, PaaS is the best compared to SaaS since it provides an environment that allows for such developments. Moreover, most IaaS vendors do provide PaaS capabilities.
PaaS is characterized by:
- Cost-efficient since it provides an environment that is ready for any developments
- Developers are at liberty to develop and run previously used apps on PaaS
- The vendors bear the maintenance cost, saving you that cost
- Immediately the software is installed, you can begin using it right away
- All back-ups are taken care of by the service providers
Google App Engine is a good example of PaaS, on Google Cloud. Google App Engine which is highly scalable gives clients the freedom to deploy apps without focusing on the backend.
SaaS
SaaS or Software as a Service is hosted from a central place and accessed via the internet. This cloud service provides several services to clients such as project management tools, file storage, backup as well as internet-based emails. SaaS is the most widely used cloud service compared to the others.
Users of this service are able to access and share data. Data storage and security are also possible using this cloud service.
SaaS is characterized by the following features.
- Online data storage is possible
- No software installation is required
- Data sharing among different users is easier and effective
- Highly flexible since both data and software are accessible from any device
- Possible to use more advanced software
- No extra cost charged
Examples of Software as a Service are G Suite, Google Drive, Gmail, Hangouts, and Dropbox among others.
DaaS
DaaS or Desktop as a Service is a cloud computing service that provides a virtual desktop environment accessed online. The vendors provide all the required support infrastructure, applications, and storage as well as data back-up, hosted in the clouds.
The client does need to pay for any software or IT maintenance costs since its all taken care of by the vendors
There are three categories of DaaS which include; Private Cloud Daas, Virtual private cloud DaaS, and Public Cloud DaaS.
Private Cloud DaaS is deployed to one single company that has the freedom to choose its operating systems and other infrastructure that suits its needs. This has the highest level of security.
A Virtual private cloud DaaS runs on the hosts IaaS and Paas allowing the client ability to customize.
Public cloud DaaS is shared among different organizations making it less secure and not easy to customize.
DaaS has the following features:
- Desktop management is easier
- Monthly subscriptions for virtual desktops make it quite cheap since there is no upfront cost.
- Since everything is hosted on the cloud, access to resources is possible anytime, anywhere from any gadget ensuring continuity of work in case of emergencies
- Improved security
DaaS vendors include Amazon Web Services as well as VMware.
In summary all the “as a service” infrastructure is ideal depending on the service and level of customization that you need. SaaS offers a ready-to-use infrastructure thus saving on time but does not allow for customization, which is possible with all the others.
Generally, IaaS offers infrastructure-based solutions such as servers without requiring any installations while DaaS provides the required virtual desktop environment. SaaS offers software solutions while PaaS provides an IT cloud-based platform.
Most IaaS providers also offer PaaS, meaning that you can get all the components you need for your business IT solutions in one package, thus ensuring that you can save on IT-related costs.
