The different cloud computing solutions (Iaas, PaaS, SaaS)

Infrastructure AS A Service (Iaas)

IAAS (AS A Service Infrastructure) is an outsourcing of the hardware IT infrastructure, which consists in subcontracting different tasks from a supplier: cloud management, installation of file servers, virtualization functions, networks, data storage, etc.

This rental system prevents the company from acquiring certain expensive equipment, while limiting its workload. Thus, it is solely responsible for the operating system, middleware solutions, applications, as well as execution environments.

In addition, the supplier supports maintenance and updating of the datacenter. The user can however access this infrastructure and control it remotely, either through a dashboard, or via an API (application programming interface).

With IAAS, you can only acquire the components you need and make them evolve as you go. This is, for example, an ideal solution to create development and testing environments, which can be personalized over time, then deleted quickly.

Some examples of IAAS suppliers: Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Compute Engine…

The advantages of Iaas Cloud Computing

• Scalability : IAAS mode allows you to adapt quickly to critical load peaks, because material resources can be adjusted on request, depending on the needs. Thanks to this excellent responsiveness, the company can ensure the continuity of its activity in all circumstances, which brings it significant comfort and serenity.
• Accessibility : You benefit from all the advantages of a physical infrastructure, without having to make a substantial investment.
• Personalization : IAAS allows you to develop a virtual infrastructure that perfectly meets your needs, with a large catalog of resources at your disposal.
• Multi-site : Multi-establishment companies can easily connect several sites to their IAAS environment.

The disadvantages of the Iaas mode

• Security : the company and its sensitive data are directly threatened in the event of a security problem with the supplier.
• Reliability : In some cases, infrastructure resources are shared between several customers, which can affect the reliability of the service. Hence the interest in choosing your supplier, by turning to a trusted company, with good experience and a solid reputation.
• Internal skills : Finally, the use of an IAAS solution requires solid internal skills, in particular for the management of applications and middleware.

Platform as a service (Paas)

THE Paas (platform as a service) consists in subcontracting the hardware infrastructure, but also applications and middleware: databases, servers, operating systems … It is therefore, in a way, a more advanced IAAS mode.

Thus, the client company has an entire platform, to which it can freely add applications and tools. PAAS is first intended for developers and programmers, because it allows you to design, execute and manage applications. However, the latter are unloaded from the creation and maintenance of the associated infrastructure.

Concretely, you have a development and deployment environment in which you can code, design and manage your applications freely. However, software updates and hardware maintenance are the responsibility of the supplier.

Better still, the Platform AS A Service mode allows you to create a framework that will serve as a basis for developers to design and customize their web -based applications. Integrated software components are also at their disposal, which reduces the amount of code to write.

Some examples of PaaS: AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Google App Engine…

The advantages of cloud computing paas

• Save time : With the Paas, the supplier manages the implementation of the platform, but also maintenance. This allows the company to save precious time: the teams can focus on their core business and immediately launch development projects.
• Centralization : PAAS allows you to group all your information on the same platform, which allows teams to collaborate better, but also to ensure better monitoring of their work.
• Cost reduction : The acquisition of a computer infrastructure is a substantial investment, without forgetting the training of teams for maintenance. With the Paas, you therefore achieve significant savings.
• Application control : PAAS allows you to keep a total control over the applications deployed on the platform.

The disadvantages of the Paas mode

• Dependence on the supplier : One of the main drawbacks of the Paas is that the client company is very dependent on the supplier, its infrastructure and its software. For example, if the supplier stops taking care of your main programming language, you will have no choice but to adapt by changing language.
• Reliability : In the event of a security failure or incident at the supplier, the user can be directly affected.
• Supplier change : In the Paas model, it can be difficult to change provider, because of the high dependence on the supplier.

Software as a service (SaaS)

Among the different cloud service models, the SaaS (software as a service) is the equivalent of an “all inclusive” formula. It is a total (or almost) outsourcing of the information system. From installation to configuration, through software update, application of fixes, operation and maintenance, the supplier takes care of many missions.

Thus, a SaaS solution does not require any computer or technical skill to be used. It is an application at the simple and intuitive interface, to which the user can access through an API or a dashboard. In addition, the SaaS does not require the installation of software on business workstations.

It is therefore an interesting option for companies that do not wish to manage installation and software updates, for lack of sufficient human and hardware resources. It is also a suitable solution for applications whose use is occasional, and which do not require significant personalization.

The advantages of SaaS Cloud Computing

• Save time : Thanks to the SaaS, the company immediately has the cloud services it needs, without having to install and manage a physical infrastructure.
• Budget control : In most cases, SaaS solutions take the form of a fixed monthly subscription. Thus, you have better visibility on IT expenses. In addition, Software AS A Service allows you to reduce certain costs, such as those related to electricity consumption.
• Flexibility : You just have to choose your SaaS solution to distribute user licenses within your teams to be able to take advantage of all its features. But this model also offers great flexibility to nomadic workers: a computer, an internet connection and a password is enough to access the application from any place. As for the supplier, he is responsible for guaranteeing data security.
• Total outsourcing : With the SaaS, the company no longer has to worry about its servers and its backups, since its material infrastructure and its applications are fully outsourced. In addition, this makes it possible to release a substantial space on servers, which can be used for important projects.
• Serenity : SaaS is synonymous with peace of mind, because maintenance and software updates are fully supported by the service provider. In addition, outsourcing allows immediate recovery of data in the event of a breakdown or a claim, and thus a rapid activity.

The disadvantages of SaaS mode

• Security and performance : Certainly, SaaS mode saves you precious time and unloads maintenance operations, but it also reduces your level of control. The choice of supplier is therefore crucial to avoid any safety or performance problem.
• Dependence on the supplier : With the SaaS, the service provider provides cloud accommodation for company data and has all its applications. This can cause many uncertainties in the event of a technical problem, litigation or even increases in prices.
• Change of provider : Changing SaaS solution can be difficult, as this implies an overall questioning of the company's operation, but also complex operations, such as transferring the database from one supplier to the other. As for the return to an internal infrastructure, it can be very long and expensive.