Technology is essential to business success, but keeping up with the latest trends can be expensive and time-consuming. Cloud computing provides acess to hardware and software over the Internet, eliminating the need to invest in expensive infrastructure or hire full-time staff to manage IT. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of cloud computing service models that can be used to manage a business.
1. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
SaaS is one of the most common and well-known cloud service delivery models. Unlike software that is installed on a computer, SaaS solutions are hosted on a provider’s servers. 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 the outputs back to the mobile device. Minimal to no processing is done on the device itself. With an internet connection, the software can be accessed from any device, at any time.
With SaaS, a provider is responsible for software maintenance and updates. They will roll out available updates so that all users have the same version of a particular software at all times. This process eliminates the need to spend time and effort manually managing software and checking for updates.
For improved efficiency and productivity, SaaS software solutions typically include document creation suites, accounting software, email services, HR solutions, content management tools, customer relationship management systems, and more.
In a nutshell, SaaS is:
- Ready to use and 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 primarily used by developers who need a virtual environment for developing and testing custom software or apps. Developers do not need to build and maintain their own infrastructure consisting of networking devices, storage, servers, an operating system, and other necessary hardware and software when developing applications. This saves time and money.
Aside from helping businesses improve the product quality, PaaS enables businesses to shorten product development cycles, leading to faster time-to-market for new products.
Most companies that utilize PaaS do so to either host or develop their own software solutions or provide support for software used by their employees. But while PaaS is gaining popularity with many small businesses, most will not have firsthand interactions with this type of cloud unless they need to build their own software or app.
In general, PaaS solutions are:
- Accessible to multiple users for enhanced collaboration
- Scalable, with 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 is considered one of the most flexible cloud models, as it gives the most ideal options when it comes to IT hardware infrastructure. 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 provides cloud-based alternatives to expensive on-premises infrastructure.
For businesses looking to virtualize systems via the cloud, IaaS is a good place to start to easily move existing support systems. Other solutions can then be migrated or introduced as needed.
IaaS is:
- Highly flexible and scalable
- Accessible by multiple users
- Cost-effective
While the cloud offers a wide variety of benefits and solutions, choosing the service model that best fits your company’s needs can be daunting. Get in touch with Roebuck Technologies today to identify the best solution for your business and ensure proper migration and implementation, so you can focus on running your business.
