Cloud computing services are generally classified into different models based on what type of resources are provided to the user.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The three primary service models are:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS provides users with fundamental computing resources such as virtual machines, storage, networks, and servers over the internet. Users can run their own operating systems and applications without managing the underlying hardware.
- The cloud provider manages the hardware, while users install and manage their own operating systems, applications, and middleware.
Characteristics:
- Highly flexible and scalable
- Users manage OS, applications, and data
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model
Examples: Amazon EC2 (AWS), Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine
2. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS provides a platform that includes infrastructure, development tools, database management systems, and middleware—allowing developers to build, test, and deploy applications without managing the underlying hardware.
- The cloud provider handles infrastructure, operating systems, and runtime environments, while users focus only on application development.
- Examples: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Services, Heroku.
- Advantages: Faster development, lower operational overhead, and easy collaboration.
- Limitations: Less control over the underlying infrastructure and potential vendor lock-in.
3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers fully functional applications over the internet that are ready to use without installation or maintenance.
- Users can access these applications through a web browser or mobile app, and the provider manages everything—from infrastructure to security updates.
- Examples: Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs), Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Zoom.
- Advantages: No need for local installation, automatic updates, and accessibility from anywhere.
- Limitations: Limited customization and dependence on the provider’s uptime.