IaaS vs. DaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS – Which Should You, Choose?

IaaS vs. DaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS
Cloud computing is presented in a wide range of services. It’s no question that cloud computing will have numerous benefits for your organization. But, if you want to maintain maximum efficiency in the cloud, you must choose the right service level for you. The different service levels available govern how you utilize cloud computing to build and manage your IT infrastructure.

There are 4 different types of cloud computing services. They are Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Desktop as a Service (DaaS). Let’s look at each one and what kind of organization will benefit from it.

Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is delivered over the web and is primarily designed for the end user. It is usually offered on a subscription basis or as a pay-as-you go model. Because of its accessibility, this model is rapidly growing in popularity and market indicators predict even further growth. Some of the benefits of SaaS include:

• Commercial software accessible on the web
• SaaS software is often managed from a central location, so it’s easy to manage
• The user is not required to handle any software upgrades

SaaS is ideal for organizations with applications that must have internet or mobile access. This service level makes it very easy to access the web without the need for any hardware upgrades.

It may not be ideal for organizations dealing with applications that are restricted by law or otherwise from sharing their data. As this issue of Data Security continues to dominate the cloud computing world, the industry has come up with a number of solutions.

Cloud providers are increasingly offering more secure options and users have the option of choosing a hybrid model which has all the benefits of SaaS plus additional security.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS is similar to SaaS except for one major difference. Rather than offering software that is delivered over the web, PaaS offers a platform for the creation of software delivered over the web. Some of the benefits associated with PaaS include:

• You have an environment to test, host, deploy and maintain applications in various stages of development
• PaaS allows for a multitenant system where multiple users can manage a single account
• PaaS has inbuilt scalability to aid in data load balancing

PaaS is ideal for an organization that has multiple developers working on the same development project. It is, however, less than ideal when an application needs to be portable or when development will require customization of hardware and software. It would be ideal to use IaaS in this case.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
The IaaS model specializes in delivering cloud computing infrastructure as an on demand service. In this service, clients can access servers, Data Storage Centers, and network equipment. Some of the benefits of IaaS include:

• A vast array of resources is distributed as services
• IaaS allows for scaling, which means it is flexible
• Cost varies with use

IaaS is ideal for organizations that have a great need for a cloud computing infrastructure, but can’t afford the hardware they need. It may be a bad idea to use IaaS if regulatory compliance restricts a company from outsourcing data storage.

Where there are regulatory compliance issues it is ideal to go with the Private cloud since the company will have full control over the infrastructure.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
With DaaS, clients get a virtual desktop and the provider provides all back-end services that would have usually been provided by application software. Some of the advantages of DaaS include:

• Migration to another platform is easy
• DaaS is easy to use compared to other models
• The DaaS service is highly personalized and customizable

DaaS is ideal for small organizations that have limited resources, but still find cloud computing necessary. It may, however, not be the right fit for larger corporations looking for a more involved IT infrastructure. Such companies would be better off using IaaS or the Private Cloud which is more suited to a larger corporation’s needs.

Very simple

In IaaS, you select the pre-canned OS layer, deploy the application stack, deploy your code & then add your data
In PaaS, you deploy your code (OS/Application Stack is part of the offering) & then add your data
In SaaS, you add your data (everything else part of the offering)

Advantages of IaaS

The resources can be deployed by the provider to a customer’s environment at any given time.
Its ability to offer the users to scale the business based on their requirements.
The provider has various options when deploying resources including virtual machines, applications, storage, and networks.
It has the potential to handle an immense number of users.
It is easy to expand and saves a lot of money. Companies can afford the huge costs associated with the implementation of advanced technologies.
Cloud provides the architecture.
Enhanced scalability and quite flexible.
Dynamic workloads are supported.

Disadvantages of IaaS

Security issues are there.
Service and Network delays are quite a issue in IaaS.

Advantages of PaaS

Programmers need not worry about what specific database or language the application has been programmed in.
It offers developers the to build applications without the overhead of the underlying operating system or infrastructure.
Provides the freedom to developers to focus on the application’s design while the platform takes care of the language and the database.
It is flexible and portable.
It is quite affordable.
It manages application development phases in the cloud very efficiently.

Disadvantages of PaaS

Data is not secure and is at big risk.
As data is stored both in local storage and cloud, there are high chances of data mismatch while integrating the data.

Advantages of SaaS

It is a cloud computing service category providing a wide range of hosted capabilities and services. These can be used to build and deploy web-based software applications.
It provides a lower cost of ownership than on-premises software. The reason is it does not require the purchase or installation of hardware or licenses.
It can be easily accessed through a browser along a thin client.
No cost is required for initial setup.
Low maintenance costs.
Installation time is less, so time is managed properly.

Disadvantages of SaaS

Low performance.
It has limited customization options.
It has security and data concerns.