We show you the differences between Sotware as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
When we talk about “cloud computing” we refer to the offer of services carried out through the Internet, whose central axis is the use of the cloud (or cloud) as an information storage platform, thus avoiding the capacity and security problems that involve common physical devices.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
The service provider provides users with the software and applications over the Internet. Clients, therefore, do not need to install the applications on their computers, mobile phones, etc., but rather they are hosted in the cloud, which is accessed through the web or an API provided by the provider.
SaaS are characterized by:
Users access the software or application for free or through a subscription model.
It is not necessary to install the software or update it, since it is under the management of the provider.
The security of the data is greater, since it is hosted in the cloud, safe from possible loss due to a failure of the user’s device.
It is possible to access the software or application from any device connected to the internet, and from almost anywhere in the world.
Examples of SaaS would be Google Docs, Gmail Webmail, Salesforce, online CRM…
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
In this case, the provider offers users paid access to computing services such as data storage, servers and networks, hosted in the cloud. Companies use their own software or application on an infrastructure provided by the service provider.
IaaS are characterized by:
They are a significant saving for companies, since they are not forced to acquire and maintain their own hardware.
The infrastructure is scalable, as processing and storage needs increase or decrease.
The hardware is not acquired directly, but following the “IaaS on demand” model or use on demand.
Examples of IaaS would be Amazon’s EC2 and Microsoft’s Azure.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
It provides customers with a cloud environment where they can carry out the development, management and distribution of software or applications. In addition to storage, it offers pre-designed tools for the development, customization and testing of applications created by the client.
PaaS are characterized by:
It makes it easier for companies to focus on development, leaving the maintenance of infrastructure and tools in the hands of the provider.
It allows remote collaboration between different devices, working together on the same application.
The providers carry out the tasks of: security management, maintenance of operating systems, backups…
Examples of PaaS would be Google App Engine and LongJump.