How Does SaaS Differ From IaaS And PaaS?

Developing a cloud service for modern businesses is a promising idea.

With the right development approach, it will undoubtedly meet both your expectations and those of your customers.

If you've come across SaaS application development tutorial and still don't understand how SaaS differs from IaaS and PaaS, this article is for you.

Features of SaaS Solutions

SaaS is a cloud computing model that provides software as a service. Users of such services access applications through the cloud infrastructure. This way, they can use the software without having to install and maintain it on their own servers. SaaS is an excellent choice for businesses that want to quickly start using ready-made applications without investing in infrastructure and development.

SaaS cloud technologies include solutions that company employees regularly use:

• Email services - for example, Communigate Pro corporate email,

• Services for secure file sharing and storage - such as Nextcloud,

• Services for organizing secure audio and video conferences. Example - BigBlueButton video conferencing,

• Website builders,

• CRM systems, accounting programs, etc.

Here the cloud provider is both the developer and the service provider. The client can purchase access to such software in the form of licenses and, depending on their own needs, manage consumption volumes and required functionality.

The main advantage of the SaaS model is that users get access to the software without spending time on installing and maintaining it. The bulk of corporate SaaS users are companies that are not ready to invest heavily in their own IT infrastructure. This is relevant for small and medium-sized businesses, where limited budgets become an obstacle to purchasing expensive software. The development of a SaaS application is extremely promising, but after reading any tutorial, you can understand that you cannot do it without professionals.

Features of PaaS Solutions

PaaS is another cloud computing model that provides a platform as a service to customers. This allows companies to fully focus on application development without wasting resources on deploying, configuring, and maintaining servers, installing OS and other software.

The client of the PaaS provider receives a ready-made software environment, which includes tools for its detailed configuration. Most providers offer a flexible pricing model, in which the client pays only for the services he uses, thus optimizing his budget. As a result, cost reductions for companies reach up to 90%.

Features of IaaS Solutions

IaaS is a cloud computing model that provides users with resources that include computing power, networking, operating system, and databases. This product allows customers to obtain computing resources in the cloud.

This model gives businesses maximum freedom of action to implement their own IT strategy. Based on IaaS, you can deploy corporate information systems, including ERP, CRM, and others.

The cost of such a solution is based on the actual resources consumed. Companies that use it are freed from the costs of purchasing and maintaining their own computing infrastructure. Any software can be installed on a virtual server rented through a cloud infrastructure, and any operations can be performed. The company can also simply refuse these services.

The IaaS platform reduces the start-up costs of a business, as it reduces capital investments due to savings on the purchase of equipment and the organization of a data center. To host business-critical services, a company can rent virtual servers and databases on an IaaS platform instead of investing in its own physical infrastructure. This not only reduces costs but also speeds up the development process.

How Does Users Choose Between IaaS, PaaS, And SaaS

The choice between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS depends on the needs of the specific business.

1. Control

A client who needs full control over the infrastructure and is ready to configure and manage it themselves chooses the IaaS model.

2. Scalability

A project that is growing rapidly is more likely to choose IaaS or PaaS since these are the solutions that provide the ability to scale flexibly.

3. Speed ​​up the Development Cycle

Where high development speed is required, PaaS platforms are needed. Their use significantly improves the TTM (time-to-market) indicator. Thanks to the ready-made software environment and process automation, the number of man-hours for creating, testing, and launching a new product on the market is significantly reduced.

4. Safety

The security factor is important when choosing between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models. For a business with increased data protection requirements, IaaS will be the most suitable option, as it will allow it to define its own security policies.

5. Availability

When choosing cloud services, businesses pay attention to the guarantees provided by the provider. When using an IaaS service, the provider is responsible for the availability of virtual machines. In the case of PaaS, the provider guarantees the functionality of the provided software environment. For SaaS services, the provider guarantees the functionality of the final product.

6.  Tariffication

Tariffing is also an important factor that businesses take into account when choosing cloud solutions. IaaS can be charged by virtual machines, PaaS - by platform, for example, by the number of rented databases or OS. Tariffing for SaaS solutions most often depends on the type and number of licenses purchased.

When choosing between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, a business usually makes the final decision based on the results of an analysis of the company’s current IT infrastructure and after determining the tasks that it delegates to the provider:

• If a business needs a quick, ready-made solution and is satisfied with the functionality of the products on the market, then it is highly likely that it will choose SaaS.

• If a company is focused on developing its own product and needs a set of tools, then it will actively study PaaS providers.

• IaaS is suitable for those companies that require rented computing power to deploy their own solutions and business-critical services.

Final Thoughts

Users choose between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS based on their needs for control and flexibility, costs, level of service and support, deployment time, and scalability. Each of these services offers unique benefits and suits different business scenarios. If you have read dozens of SaaS application development tutorials and are ready to dive into developing your own cloud solution, you should enlist the support of a reliable company. Digiteum is an experienced company specializing in the development of SaaS solutions, IoT products, web and mobile applications, as well as other useful solutions.