What this post is about
- Knowing forms of cloud computing
- Using IaaS as for infrastructures
- Integrating PaaS for more comprehensive service
- Using SaaS as a software offering
- Recognizing differences
Clouds have now become a standard tool for employees. Access to data and applications from anywhere makes daily work easier and allows teams to collaborate globally without limitations.
But for service providers, working in and with the cloud has also become an essential component. IT as a Service (ITaaS) is the keyword for providing end-users with IT and technical services on a virtual level.
Different options and scopes are tailored to specific needs and existing infrastructures. In most cases, three models are employed.
IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service
When a cloud service provider offers the basic IT infrastructure and manages the hardware on which a company's software runs, it is referred to as IaaS. The primary responsibility of this service is to ensure maintenance, upkeep, and functionality to guarantee uninterrupted usage.
Limited budgets or insufficient space for dedicated server setups are reasons for choosing an IaaS offering. Consequently, the provider grants you access to the technical infrastructure that you can use from anywhere.
For smaller businesses or startups looking to avoid traditional office spaces or the rental of server rooms, this is a practical solution.
PaaS: Platform as a Service
PaaS is defined as an extended service. In this case, the service provider supplies both hardware and operating systems, and, upon request, this can also include databases. Applications, functions, and structure continue to be provided by your company.
PaaS allows you to build and customize your own ideas on a solid technical foundation according to your individual preferences. For developers, this service does not impose limitations. They can freely design processes and workflows, thus preserving technical uniqueness. PaaS merely sets the framework.
SaaS: Software as a Service
SaaS offers the most extensive support and, in addition to the infrastructure and hardware, provides the entire cloud-based software. With this service, end-users exclusively access an unalterable product that is only populated with their own data, numbers, and content.
There is no room for further development of the systems here. You work with a finished and non-scalable end product to optimize your project management, elevate support management to a new level, or enable easy data access. SaaS provides the simplest form of use for your employees or customers.
By the way, you can also use your smart helpdesk, Zammad, as a SaaS product in an all-inclusive package, instead of hosting the open-source software on your own server. In this case, we take care of the provisioning and apply all security updates while you can focus entirely on your support requests. Try it for free!
Service Models: Differentiating and Evaluating
In general, it can be noted that the three types of cloud computing build upon each other and are to be understood as individual stages. In summary:
- IaaS supports the establishment of the company's IT infrastructure.
- PaaS is intended for developers who create custom applications for end-users.
- SaaS is a pure application for end customers.
Based on these distinctive features, a decision on which service is suitable for your company can be made more quickly.
Summary
Cloud computing enables the next step toward an efficient IT landscape! The three service models IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS offer the advantage of cost-effective and space-saving establishment of a functional IT environment. The integration with the local infrastructure opens up new possibilities for data processing or service offerings that guarantee maximum success, regardless of the company's size.