What is a Cloud Service Model?

Cloud Service Models

What is a Cloud Service Model?

Cloud service models are the way in which computing services are fulfilled through the internet. Basically, you will rent rather than own the physical hardware and software, which is then accessed through the cloud as a pay-as-you-go service.

What are the main Cloud Service Models?

The three main cloud service models are:

Software as a Service (SaaS): This service is ready-to-use software accessed through an application via a mobile app or web browser. Examples include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): Removing the need to manage servers, storage, or operating systems, PaaS is a platform for developers to build, test, deploy, and manage applications. Examples include AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App Engine, and Heroku.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): With minimal limits over your infrastructure, compared to PaaS and SaaS, IaaS provides digital services such as virtual machines, storage, and networks. Examples include AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines.

What are the key differences between SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS?

The main differences between the cloud service models are:

Features	SaaS	PaaS	IaaS
What You Control	Applications only	Applications and data	Applications, data, runtime, middleware, operating system
What the Provider Controls	Everything else (servers, storage, networking, operating system)	Everything else (servers, storage, networking, operating system)	Virtualization, servers, storage, networking
Who Uses it?	End users	Developers	IT Administrators
Typical Use Cases	Email, CRM, office productivity suites	Building and deploying custom applications, development, and testing environments	Hosting websites, running virtual machines, storing large amounts of data

Why is SaaS Considered a Type of Cloud Computing?

The applications are hosted on the provider’s servers, which are then accessed via the internet; SaaS is considered a cloud computing model because there is no need to install and maintain the software on any of their own hardware.

How to Choose the Right Cloud Service Model for Your Business

For a good fit, consider the following factors:

Budget: Consider what you are willing to spend, but keep in mind that it ranges from SaaS to IaaS when it comes to the differences in expense.
Business Needs: Think about your unique needs. Do you require a full software application and development platform?
Control: If this is a factor, consider that IaaS offers the most, while SaaS offers the least.
Technical Expertise: Does your team have the necessary knowledge? SaaS requires the least technical expertise, while SaaS requires the most.

Conclusion

There are options for all businesses when choosing cloud computing. Once you understand your needs for these services, an informed decision can be made about which you are most aligned with to meet your specific needs.

Key takeaways

Cloud service models are an option for businesses to obtain resources without owning or maintaining the infrastructure.

The three main models – SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS – all offer various levels of service for different technical needs, with SaaS being the basic option and IaaS allowing you the most control over your infrastructure.

Choosing the right model comes down to assessing your needs and learning about the different providers based on your budget, technical needs, and any other specific requirements.

What is a Cloud Service Model?