With digital transformation, there is a dire need to make a shift from traditional software models to cloud computing solutions. While you think of integrating cloud-based services into your systems to meet your needs of easy-accessibility and abundant data storage facility, hassles of system failures, data breaches, and heavy maintenance costs might make you worry. However, Cloud Computing Solutions can address it all! It facilitates businesses with high speed, data security, and cost-effective features.
Choosing the most relevant cloud service is a challenging decision. Different types of clouds possess distinct features and facilities. Mainly there are 3 types of cloud computing service solutions – IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. You should make a choice based on the intensity of the workloads and storage capabilities.
1. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
IaaS is a cloud computing service type that offers on-demand compute, storage, and networking resources. IaaS delivers cloud computing infrastructure – servers, networking firewalls/security, OS (operating systems), and storage facility. IaaS provides all these services via virtual technology, without requiring any physical space.
In the case of IaaS, clients are required to manage elements such as applications, runtime, OS, middleware, and data, rather than service providers. The cloud solution is mainly suitable for startups, small-sized companies, large companies (for specified use), and companies undergoing growth or expecting expansion.
Benefits of IaaS:
Reduced Capital Expenses & Cost Optimization
Integrating an IaaS solution doesn’t require you to maintain on-premises data centers, leading to reduced maintenance costs. The cloud computing service provider offers each function as a separate element and follows a pay-as-you-go model. This allows saving bucks on hardware costs by following the pay-as-you-go model. Also, the IaaS cloud solution eliminates the need for investing huge amounts in buying, maintaining, and monitoring physical servers and data centers.
Real-time Information
All-time accessibility and consistent functioning further enable clients to get real-time business insights and help reduce risks related to frauds. Clients can access their servers anytime, anywhere through a digital data center. Moreover, if you’re up to launching a new initiative, IaaS based cloud infrastructure can be established in minutes/hours.
Greater Scalability
IaaS solutions lend you with utmost flexibility, allowing you to scale your resources on demand. IaaS lets you adapt to a surge in resource demand and allows you to deliver IT resources across the globe. This can make it much easier for you to adopt new trends, install new applications and raise the reliability of the current infrastructure.
Limitations of IaaS:
● In an IaaS cloud computing solution, security obligations are maintained by cloud service providers. This makes it difficult for enterprises to identify security loopholes.
● Service providers may lack flexibility and could fail to upgrade software on a timely basis. With this, companies may miss out on the most latest functions.
● Any technical issues in IaaS can restrict the client’s access to data and applications.
● Integrated with IaaS implies that you remain fully dependent on controls managed by a third party.
Examples of IaaS cloud computing solutions are:
● Microsoft Azure
● Google Compute Engine (GCE)
● Cisco Metacloud
● Amazon Web Services (AWS)
● Linode
● DigitalOcean
2. SaaS (Software as a Service)
Software as a Service is the most common cloud computing solution integrated by businesses. It allows clients to connect and access cloud-based applications over the internet. SaaS follows a web delivery aspect and doesn’t require clients to do any downloads or installations. The infrastructure, app software, middleware, data, and other elements are managed by the service provider. It lets you get running with the services or apps at minimal upfront costs and maintenance expenses.
The use cases for SaaS include – Small scale companies that don’t have much time or capital to maintain an in-house server, short-term projects that need quick hosting, rarely used applications, and services that require both web and mobile access.
Advantages of SaaS:
Time-Saving
The tedious tasks such as installing software, managing activities, and upgrading tools are all done by the service providers. Hence, it saves the time of the client and enables them to spend on more productive tasks.
Get access to advanced applications
Clients don’t need to maintain any hardware, middleware, or software. This makes SaaS a cost-saving solution for you. They can in turn spend these saved amounts in installing sophisticated applications such as ERP and CRM.
Pay For What You Use
Like IaaS, SaaS also follows the pay-as-you-go model. You can scale your costs as per your service requirements.
Effortless Upgradation
System updates and software installations are probably the most cumbersome task. In a few cases, due to capital insufficiency and budget restrictions companies cannot spend much on IT resources and competent manpower to upgrade software periodically. This can invite vulnerabilities and may put companies at fraudulent risk. With the integration of the SaaS solution, you can eliminate the burden and can use the remaining funds for other productive purposes.
Increased Mobility
This cloud computing solution is available for users over the internet. With this feature, you can access cloud applications and data via internet-connected devices (computer/mobile) without any geographical limitations. You are not required to run applications or develop software on different computers as the service provider itself performs the needed tasks.
Data Security at Minimal Costs
With all activities handled by cloud computing solutions providers, you don’t have to invest in an expert or while onboarding competent staff. From installing to security measures, everything is managed by the service provider.
Limitations of SaaS:
● Inadequate data security is one of the top concerns of SaaS-based cloud solutions.
● As key business data is stored in the service provider’s virtual data center, it is difficult to remain compliant with regulatory data obligations.
● Changing your service provider is a grinding task as you’ll be required to transfer your business-critical data.
● A web-based application functioning on a digital data center may lack speed and performance due to friction involved in the process.
Examples of SaaS:
● Outlook
● Hotmail
● Yahoo
● Google Apps
● Hubspot
● Slack
● Dropbox
● MailChimp
3. PaaS (Platform as a Service)
PaaS is specifically for software built mainly for applications. This cloud computing solution offers a framework to developers that can be used to build customized applications. Under PaaS, servers, storage and networking are managed by the service provider, whereas applications are managed by developers. PaaS solutions can be public, private, or a hybrid mix of the two.
PaaS delivers the platform for software creation over the internet. Provided via the web, it allows developers to focus on building software without making them concerned over operating systems, software installation, storage facilities, or infrastructure. Businesses can design applications as per their requirements via the platform allotted to them.
PaaS is essential for – companies having multiple developers to streamline workflows with PaaS, firms requiring higher speed or flexibility, and companies that have specific requirements and need to build customized applications.
The main benefits of integrating PaaS cloud computing solutions are:
● Simple application development, testing, and deployment services
● Easy accessibility to a great many users
● A cost-effective solution as clients can avoid costs of purchasing/maintaining software licenses
● Higher scalability as services can be offered across the globe over the internet
● Option for customization lets developers maintain software as per their needs
Limitations of PaaS:
● Data is stored in the service provider’s cloud data center and could invite confidential issues as the information remains accessible to the provider.
● Users don’t have controls over the PaaS system and remain dependent on the actions taken by providers.
● PaaS lacks reliability as power outages, disasters or other incidents can lead to downtimes.
● Service providers offer customized cloud solutions that may not be compatible with all systems.
Examples of PaaS:
● Force
● OpenShift
● Heroku
● Windows Azure
● AWS Lambda
● Dokku
● Zoho Creator
The Bottomline
Each cloud model offers varied features and functions to clients. All you need to do before integrating cloud security solutions is distinguish the differences and get them right. Once you are clear of what each type offers, you should head towards analyzing your needs. Determine if you need more storage options or a customized app development function or complete control over the cloud system. Moreover, the future of cloud computing is revolving around XaaS, also known as Everything as a Service. It refers to the comprehensive category of responsive, data-driven services related to cloud computing.