Have you ever heard of cloud computing? Even for those who are familiar with the term, it may be difficult to explain, especially with all of the new service models that have emerged in recent years, such as SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and DaaS.
This article will provide an overview of the most popular cloud service models, including SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and DaaS.
Table of Contents
What exactly is a cloud service?
Cloud services can include software, data storage, databases, servers, networks, computing, and other on-demand internet-accessible services. Because these services are hosted elsewhere, they are referred to as “cloud services.” As long as there is internet access, anyone can use these services.
How cloud services are different from traditional services?
Users had to install software on their own hardware and store their data locally not long ago. Cloud services, on the other hand, eliminate the need for software installation and local hardware by making software and hardware available on-demand via the internet. This allows users to access services from any location and on any device.
Gmail, Google’s popular email client, is an example of this. Users can access Gmail from any location and on any device without the need to install any software.
Cloud computing services for businesses and individuals
Because cloud services are unrestricted compared to traditional services, they are very popular not only for private use but are rapidly gaining popularity in the business world, contributing to IT modernization. With an increasing user base, cloud services quickly diversified to meet specific needs.
Cloud services are classified as follows based on the components used: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and DaaS. Let’s take a closer look at them one by one.
What exactly is SaaS?
- What exactly is SaaS?
SaaS is an abbreviation for “Software as a Service.” The service provided is software that is typically centrally hosted and accessible via the internet via a browser client. Customers can use the software without worrying about computing resources or other costly and time-consuming issues.
The following are the advantages of using SaaS: - There is no need for software installation;
- data can be stored online;
- software and data can be accessed by any device;
- data can be easily and effectively shared among multiple users;
- highly advanced software can be used almost instantly.
In this perspective, • Gmail • Google Drive • Google Calendar • Google Sheets • Hangouts are some examples of SaaS.
What exactly is PaaS?
PaaS is an abbreviation for Platform as a Service. The service provided is a platform that allows users to develop, manage, and run applications over the internet. This can include middleware that connects applications to operating systems, programming languages, web servers, and other components that create an environment that allows for rapid application development and easy application management.
When it comes to software, PaaS is more flexible than SaaS because you can use existing software as well as in-house developed software, depending on your needs.
PaaS has the following features:
• You save development costs and time by providing a ready-to-use development environment.
• You don’t have to worry about maintenance and backups because they are handled by the service provider.
• Because the infrastructure has been provided and set up by the service provider, you can begin using the service immediately.
• PaaS gives developers a lot of flexibility, such as the ability to reuse previously used applications for development and run them on the platform.
In this perspective, Google App Engine on Google Cloud Platform is an example of PaaS because it allows users to deploy applications without spending time on the backend by automatically allocating and scaling resources and providing other automated tools for application development and management.
What exactly is IaaS?
IaaS is an abbreviation for “Infrastructure as a Service.” The service provided is a complete infrastructure accessible via the internet that includes networks, servers, operating systems, and everything else needed to build and run systems. In contrast to PaaS, the user has control over the backend, can specify hardware components, and configure the operating systems to their liking. The user can then build and run a system on top of it.
In comparison to SaaS and PaaS, the user has far more freedom, but also far more responsibility. More technical knowledge is required to set up the hardware, servers, network, security, and other components.
IaaS has the following features: • It comes with a ready-to-use development environment; • It allows the user to specify hardware specs and set up operating systems for use over the internet; and • It provides simple resource scaling options.
• Lowers hardware maintenance and repair costs for the user.
Google Compute Engine on Google Cloud Platform is an example of IaaS. It allows users to set up virtual machines (VMs), which operate in a manner similar to traditional computers.
Nevertheless, you can specify the specifications, select and install an operating system, and scale the resources up or down at any time. Because it is provided by Google, you are not required to pay anything other than the usage fee.
What exactly is DaaS?
DaaS is an abbreviation for “Desktop as a Service.” The provided service is a desktop environment that is accessed via the internet and is also known as “cloud desktop” or “virtual desktop.” The hoster provides all of the resources needed to run the desktop environment and any applications within it, as well as to store and save data for each session.
DaaS can be classified into three types:
DaaS in a private cloud
Private cloud DaaS is a desktop environment that is developed and provided exclusively to one company. The company can pick and choose which operating systems, software, and other components it wants and completely customizes it to meet its needs. As a result, private cloud DaaS provides the user with a high level of security.
DaaS (virtual private cloud)
DaaS (virtual private cloud) is a desktop environment that is built and run on IaaS and PaaS hosts. This provides a relatively high level of customization and security to the user.
DaaS in the public cloud
Public cloud DaaS is a desktop environment with specific operating systems and software options that is offered and used by various companies at the same time, making it less customizable and secure than private cloud DaaS and virtual private cloud DaaS.
What are the main distinctions between them all?
The scope of service provided is what distinguishes SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and DaaS.
In addition to PaaS, SaaS offers software.
PaaS, in addition to IaaS, provides a platform.
Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) includes servers.
DaaS is a service that provides a virtual desktop environment.
If you need ready-to-use software and don’t want to spend time on anything else, SaaS is ideal. However, if you require more customization options, IaaS, PaaS, and DaaS should be considered.
Conclusion
Understanding and determining the appropriate scope of service that you require is critical because it allows you to focus and work more efficiently on what you want to accomplish. I hope I was able to provide you with an overview of the various options and assist you in making your decision.
We, at Cloud Ace, have a lot of experience with Google Cloud and can help you with anything related to Google Cloud, whether you want to deploy an application on Google Cloud and let it run, develop your own application on Google Cloud, develop and run a system on Google Cloud, or anything else.
Please contact us if you want to learn more about this topic or if there is anything else we can do for you. We will get back to you as soon as possible.