Cloud Computing: SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS

Posted October 1, 2019

In Blog, Cloud Service Providers, Cloud Services, Cloud Solutions, Data Center, IT Solutions, Managed IT Service Providers, Managed IT Services, Managed Network Services, Managed Service Provider, Managed Services

Cloud computing is growing at lightning speed, especially in the small- and medium-sized business sector. Choosing the right cloud service as your business makes the switch can be challenging because of the large number of options available– all at different price points and with different features.

In general, you’ll probably consider one of three types of cloud computing: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), or Software as a Service (SaaS). Depending on your budget and the nature of the data that you’re storing on the cloud, your needs can shift over time. While cost and availability is certainly a determining factor, the true difference between the three is how much of the data management you’re handling yourself and how much your provider is handling for you.

Let’s dive into some key components of IaaS, PaaS, and Saas, as well as the types of companies that would find these particular services valuable.

SaaS

If you use Google Drive, Dropbox, or GoTo Meeting, you are already using an SaaS system. With this option, you are running software programs that are hosted and managed by external servers. They complete all updates, archiving, and technical work on their end, making SaaS a good option for small businesses or for people who are just getting started with cloud computing.

The main advantages of SaaS is that it is typically free or very low cost, and you don’t have to worry about managing your data. If you are a small business owner who handles a reasonable amount of documents and files, it’s simple to create your own folders from which you can quickly retrieve information. It’s also great for startups who need a fast and easy way to begin organizing their business.

PaaS

The next step up from SaaS is PaaS. With this service, the provider sets up a framework that users can build on. App developers use PaaS to create their applications online without having to rely on traditional save states for their data. With this system, users can access their app builds from any computer on any network, as the service is cloud hosted.

If you are not interested in designing apps, you probably won’t work with a PaaS service. These are built mainly for those who need a way to create complicated applications without investing in expensive software, allowing more people to try their hand at design and coding without fear of losing their progress in the event of a network crisis.

IaaS

IaaS is the most comprehensive cloud computing service, wherein your server host provides the servers, cooling systems, electricity, and general infrastructure, while you are responsible for the operating systems, applications, data, and middleware. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from the cost-savings associated with building your own data centers while still retaining control over the software that you use to create and manage your data.

IaaS is also scalable, which means that it can change according to your specific cloud computing needs. Building server rooms in your office is a huge upfront investment that can’t be scaled back if business slows down– You’re stuck with the cost, even when your budget doesn’t have room for it. Another added benefit is that you get the support of the provider in the event that you require disaster recovery or data loss management. If you operate your own data center, those services are not as readily available.

Verus offers Iaas to help free you from managing your own physical data center while still maintaining control of your virtual network. Instead of your IT staff worrying about uptime or disaster recovery, let Verus IaaS solution provide you with greater scalability, higher security, and peace of mind.

Verus has perfected our IaaS offering by forming best of breed relationships with vendors for all the components, which includes data center, firewall, storage, backup, disaster recovery, and connectivity.

Kevin Willette

Kevin Willette is Partner / CEO of Verus Corp. His focus is ensuring complete customer satisfaction and providing as much or as little support as is needed for the individual client. Kevin knows that plenty of places do IT services, but what sets Verus Corp apart is the local feeling and the commitment to doing things right the first time. He has always wanted to be a business owner because it affords him the opportunity to offer a service that was better than anything clients had seen before. His true goal is to help customers make their businesses better by removing potential IT barriers. Kevin served as chair for Habitat for Humanity during his time at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has also served on the WatchGuard Advisory Council since 2016. Kevin’s work with Verus Corp has helped them achieve awards as the WatchGuard Partner of the Year and Cisco Select Partner. Kevin graduated from Minnesota State in 2000 with a major in Business Marketing and minors in Business Administration and Music.