Cloud Computing - IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS
In this article, we will see the difference between Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service(PaaS) and Software as a Service(SaaS).
1. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service is a IaaS in short. When you run any program, You need a computer. But instead of buying one, you can just borrow it from a cloud service provider.This provider gives you access to virtual machine or computers, storage and networking tools that you can whenever you need to use them.
2. Platform as a Service(PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing service model that allows developers to build, deploy and manage applications without worrying about the underlying infrastructure. You can purchase these applications from a cloud service provider on a pay-as-per use basis and access them using the Internet connection.
3. Software as a Service(SaaS)
Software as a Service(SaaS) delivers fully functional software applications over the internet on a subscription basis. Users can access these applications through web browsers and they don't need to worry about installation, maintenance or infrastructure management.
Here is a comparison of IaaS, PaaS and SaaS cloud in a table format to highlight their key differences.
| SNo. | Parameter | IaaS | PaaS | SaaS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full Form | Infrastructure as a Service | Platform as a Service | Software as a Service |
| 2 | Used By | IAAS is used by network architects. | PAAS is used by developers. | SAAS is used by the end user. |
| 3 | What Provided | Virtualized infrastructure | Development platform | Complete software app |
| 4 | Development Effort | Infrastructure setup and management | Application development | Minimal development |
| 5 | Popularity | It is popular among developers and researchers. | It is popular among developers who focus on the development of apps and scripts. | It is popular among consumers and companies, such as file sharing, email, and networking. |
| 6 | User Controls | Operating System Runtime, Middleware, and Application data | Data of the application | Nothing |
| 7 | Enterprise services | AWS virtual private cloud | Microsoft Azure | IBM cloud analysis |
| 8 | Cost Structure | Subscription-based | Usage-based | Usage-based |
| 9 | Examples | AWS EC2, Azure VMs | Google App Engine, Heroku | Gmail, Salesforce |
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