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IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS):

A vendor provides clients pay-as-you-go access to storage, networking, servers, and other computing resources in the cloud.

Platform as a service (PaaS):

A service provider offers access to a cloud-based environment in which users can build and deliver applications. The provider supplies underlying infrastructure.

Software as a service (SaaS):

A vendor A service provider delivers software and applications through the internet. Users subscribe to the software and access it via the web or vendor APIs. clients pay-as-you-go access to storage, networking, servers, and other computing resources in the cloud.

IaaS

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a cloud computing offering in which a vendor provides users access to computing resources such as storage, networking, and servers. Organizations use their own platforms and applications within a service provider’s infrastructure.

Key features:
  • Instead of purchasing hardware outright, users pay for IaaS on demand.
  • Infrastructure is scalable depending on processing and storage needs.
  • Saves enterprises the costs of buying and maintaining their own hardware.
  • Because data is on the cloud, there can be no single point of failure.
  • Enables the virtualization of administrative tasks, freeing up time for other work.

PaaS

Platform as a service (PaaS) is a cloud computing offering that provides users with a cloud environment in which they can develop, manage, and deliver applications. In addition to storage and other computing resources, users are able to use a suite of prebuilt tools to develop, customize, and test their own applications.

Key features:
  • PaaS provides a platform with tools to test, develop, and host applications in the same environment.
  • Enables organizations to focus on development without having to worry about underlying infrastructure.
  • Providers manage security, operating systems, server software and backups.
  • Facilitates collaborative work even if teams work remotely.

SaaS

Software as a service (SaaS) is a cloud computing offering that provides users with access to a vendor’s cloud-based software. Users do not install applications on their local devices. Instead, the applications reside on a remote cloud network accessed through the web or an API. Through the application, users can store and analyze data and collaborate on projects.

Key features:
  • SaaS vendors provide users with software and applications via a subscription model.
  • Users do not have to manage, install or upgrade software; SaaS providers manage this.
  • Data is secure in the cloud; equipment failure does not result in loss of data.
  • Use of resources can be scaled depending on service needs.
  • Applications are accessible from almost any internet-connected device, from virtually anywhere in the world.