Learning Objectives: Cloud Service

Models

Learners will be able to…

Give three characteristics that define Software as a

Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Give three advantages of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS

Give three disadvantages of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS

info

Make Sure You Know

The differences between on-premise and cloud computing.

Limitations
This assignment will only cover the three major cloud service models:
Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service PaaS, and
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Software as a Service (SaaS) Basics

What Is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a Service (commonly known as SaaS) is one of the three main
models of cloud computing. This means SaaS is a method of delivering
software and applications through an internet connection. SaaS models are
usually best for consumers with no experience in developing or deploying
applications. They typically involve a product that is ready to be used out-
of-the-box for a fixed subscription or per user fee.

Example of SaaS
Google Workspace is perhaps one of the most common examples of a SaaS
model. Google Workspace comes with a suite of applications such as Google
Docs, Google Slides, Gmail, and others. Once subscribed, a organization can
start using these applications right away. Software updates and other
behind the scenes components are available automatically.

Example of Google Workspace applications.

Other SaaS Examples:

Email Clients Desktop Applications Music Streaming Services

Yahoo! Microsoft Office Spotify
Outlook Adobe Creative Cloud Apple Music
Advantages & Disadvantages of SaaS
SaaS is great for many reasons, but there are also instances where a SaaS
model might not be ideal. The table below highlights these:

Advantages Disadvantages
Requires constant connectivity to the
Low cost
Web
High scalability (easy to add or
Potential security and data concerns
remove components)
Easiest to access May encounter slower performances
Quickest to set up and get Limited range of applications and
running customization
Most automated Lack of control

In summary, SaaS is ideal for any organizations that want automated tasks
such as software and security updates. However, these benefits also come
with some disadvantages, such as data breach concerns, limited application
options, and potentially slower performances. In other words, flexibility on
one hand comes at a cost of limitations on the other.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) Basics

What Is Platform as a Service (PaaS)?

Platform as a Service (commonly known as PaaS) is another model of
cloud computing. PaaS is often referred to as an “application-development”
platform. This means that PaaS doesn’t provide a specific application for
the consumers to use. Instead, PaaS offers tools for consumers (developers)
to build and maintain their own application(s). However, like SaaS, PaaS
also offers organizations a virtual space to store their data, maintain their
servers, and other crucial network equipment. PaaS is best for organization
with dedicated application developers because PaaS helps the organization
to focus on the application instead of the infrastructure (servers).

Example of PaaS
Heroku is one of the most popular PaaS models used in the industry.
Heroku offers organizations a platform and development tools for them to
be able to focus on developing their own applications without having to
worry about behind-the-scenes stuff like virtual servers and equipment.

Heroku logo.

Source: https://www.heroku.com/

Advantages & Disadvantages of PaaS

Compared to SaaS, PaaS offers more advantages in the customization of the
software or application an organization uses to reach their targets. The
table below highlights other advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages Disadvantages
Hardware and other equipment
Dependency on service provider
are offered (cost-effective)
Can easily scale up or down as Security concerns still exist
needed (add or remove storage, (organizations are responsible for
 memory, etc.) security of their application(s))
Potential incompatibility between
Flexibility in application
the developing software and the
customization
platform itself
Inability to disable irrelevant
Collaboration among developers features or tools (locked into PaaS
development environment)

Overalls, PaaS is ideal for organizations that have a team of dedicated

developers who want to mainly focus on the development of their software
or applications.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Basics

What Is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?

Infrastructure as a Service (commonly known as IaaS) is the last model
of cloud computing. IaaS differentiates itself from SaaS and PaaS by being
the model that requires the most expertise, however, it also comes with a
lot of flexibility. The consumer or organization is responsible for the
applications as well as the development environment to create those
applications. What IaaS offers are virtual servers, big data centers, and
equipment for organizations to utilize.

Example of IaaS
If you’ve ever heard of “AWS,” then you’ve heard of one of the most well-
known IaaS models. AWS stands for Amazon Web Services and since 2008, it
has been a leading provider in the cloud computing space. AWS provides
organizations a complete computing stack, which enables these
organizations to deploy (or publish) any combination of software and
hardware infrastructure and make them available to targeted audiences.

AWS logo.

Source: https://aws.amazon.com/
 important

NOTE
Some IaaS examples, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) can be
classified as both IaaS and PaaS. However, for the purposes of this
course, we will refer to AWS as IaaS. Sometimes, providers can offer
multiple cloud service models. For example, Amazon’s PaaS model
equivalence is AWS Elastic Beanstalk which primarily serves as a
development platform.

Advantages & Disadvantages of IaaS

Compared to both SaaS and PaaS, IaaS is by far the model that requires the
most attention. Consumers of IaaS need to have dedicated experts on their
hands to maintain their software and the virtual environment in which
their data is stored, processed, and accessed. A lot of the responsibilities fall
on the consumers. The table below highlights some advantages and
disadvantages:

Advantages Disadvantages
Virtual servers and data centers
are usually distributed, meaning
Training required for operations, not
if one server or data center is
as “ready-to-use” as other models
down, that will not halt
operations completely
Most flexible in terms of Lack of support for some technical
application customization and issues, may have to rely on own I.T.
how applications are developed professionals
Organization is responsible for the
Updated hardware and other
security of their applications and
equipment will be provided
their platform (security and privacy
(future-proof)
threats still exist)

Because IaaS models offer the most flexibility, they also require the most
expertise when it comes to navigating the provider’s virtual infrastructure.
In addition, this flexibility comes at the cost of the organization being more
responsible for the security of their own applications, platform tools, and
data.
SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS

SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS Similarities

All three models have much in common. One, they all offer cloud
computing so their tools are accessible via the Internet. In addition, they all
have some sort of “pay-as-you-go” subscription where clients pay a
recurring fee to use their services. This makes scaling an organization up
or down much easier because clients can add or remove components
(memory, storage, equipment, etc.) as they need. This in turn also makes
these models much more cost-effective than on-premise computing where
clients have to pay for everything up front.

The image below showcases some of these benefits, challenges, and

examples.

SaaS benefits: All-inclusive, Cost-efficient, and Accessible. PaaS

benefits: Speed, Customization, and Flexibility. IaaS benefits:
Scalability, Cost & time savings, and Flexibility. SaaS challenges:
Customization, Interoperability, and Control. PaaS challenges:
Integration, Compatibility, and Control. IaaS challenges:
Integration, Security, and Staff training.

Source: https://www.thinklogic.com/post/saas-vs-paas-vs-iaas-whats-the-
difference-how-to-choose

SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS Differences

There are several differences between the three models as well. However,
the biggest difference is the goal each has for clients. SaaS models offer
little to no customization for the clients, but they are very easy to use and
don’t require much technical knowledge or expertise. Then there’s PaaS,
which is has a good balance between flexibility and control. With PaaS,
clients can use the provider’s tools to build and develop their own
applications without having to worry much about other behind-the-scenes
components. Lastly, IaaS offers the most flexible options to clients. With
IaaS, providers will supply the servers, storage, networking, and other
virtualization services, but the clients will be responsible for their own
application production and how their data is used.

The image below summarizes the responsibilities between the client

(i.e. “Customer”) and service provider (i.e. “Microsoft”) amongst the three
models.

For on-premise, the client is responsible for everything. For IaaS,

the client is responsible for everything except physical hosts,
network, and datacenter. For PaaS, it’s the same as IaaS except
the client is also responsible for maintaining the operating
system. In addition, there is shared responsibility between the
client and the service provider when it comes to identity and
directory infrastructure, applications, and network controls.
Lastly, for SaaS, the client only has to worry about information
and data, devices (mobile and PCs), and accounts and identities.
The provider takes care of everything else while still having
shared responsibility with the client when it comes to identity
and directory infrastructure.

Source: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-
us/azure/security/fundamentals/shared-responsibility
The image above depicts how the three models of cloud computing are
interconnected using a car garage example. The car itself is like SaaS, it
usually comes as is. The tools available in the garage is PaaS, you can use
these tools to tweak or modify the car. Lastly, the garage itself is like IaaS, it
provides a space for the car to stay in and comes with other useful
components.