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Categories of Cloud Services

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)​

With IaaS, users rent hardware in a cloud data center but have full freedom to manage it as needed.
In the IaaS model, the cloud provider is responsible for:

  • Hardware maintenance
  • Network connectivity to the internet
  • Physical security of the data center

Meanwhile, the user is responsible for:

  • Installing, configuring, and maintaining the operating system
  • Network configuration
  • Managing databases and storage
  • Application and data security

When to Use IaaS?​

  • Lift-and-Shift Migration
    Moving applications and systems from on-premises data centers to the cloud without major changes.

  • Testing & Development
    Quickly creating and replicating development and testing environments.
    Cost-effective because resources can be turned on or off as needed.

Conclusion
  • Flexible – Users have full control over the OS, apps, and configurations.
  • Efficient – Ideal for testing, development, and cloud migration without major changes.
  • Consumption-Based – Pay-as-you-go without the need to invest in your own hardware.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)​

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud solution that sits between Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).

In the PaaS model, the cloud provider is responsible for:

  • Physical infrastructure, security, and internet connectivity
  • Operating systems and middleware
  • Development tools
  • Analytics and business intelligence services

As a user, you only need to focus on developing applications without managing infrastructure or software licenses.

When to Use PaaS?​

  • Development Frameworks
    Build applications faster using built-in components, similar to creating macros in Excel.
    Cloud provides features like scalability and multi-tenancy.

  • Analytics & Business Intelligence
    Analyze data in real time using cloud-based tools.
    Discover patterns and insights to improve business decisions, investments, and product design.

Conclusion
  • Reduced Infrastructure Burden – Users don’t have to manage servers or OS.
  • Boosts Productivity – Developers can focus on application development, not platform management.
  • Flexible & Cost-Efficient – Supports automatic scaling and pay-as-you-go pricing.

Software as a Service (SaaS)​

Software as a Service (SaaS) is the most complete cloud service model in terms of product delivery.
In this model, users simply use the application without worrying about infrastructure or maintenance.

Examples of SaaS:

  • Email (Gmail, Outlook)
  • Business applications (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
  • Financial & expense tracking software (QuickBooks, Xero)
  • Messaging applications (Slack, Microsoft Teams)

When to Use SaaS?​

  • Email & Messaging
    Services like Gmail, Outlook, and Slack allow communication without managing your own email servers.

  • Business Productivity Applications
    Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer tools like Word, Excel, and Google Docs with no installation or maintenance required.

  • Finance & Accounting Software
    Apps like QuickBooks and Xero help businesses track finances and expenses.

Conclusion
  • Easiest to Use – No technical skills needed to operate SaaS.
  • Minimal Maintenance – Cloud providers handle all updates, security, and infrastructure.
  • Flexible Access – Can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.