SaaS is Cloud Computing, but is all Cloud Computing SaaS?

Cloud technology continues to be viewed as one of the fastest growing segments of the IT industry, which will help to drive businesses in the present and future. Despite all the talk about SaaS and cloud we would be mistaken into thinking we are talking about the same thing. SaaS is simply one of the many flavours of Cloud Computing. [break2]1. SaaS – Software as a Service is likely the most popular cloud computing model, by charging a subscription fee per user and allowing use of its software, wherever there is Internet access. SaaS allows businesses to obtain the same benefits and results of commercially licensed software without initial high costs and complexity of installation. Those wishing to simplify their financial, customer service and business applications will likely benefit most from the Software as a Service model.

From a historical perspective, you could say SaaS led to the development of cloud computing, which is essentially a larger platform and is where SaaS resides. Cloud computing offers additional services other than just SaaS, while SaaS is only that: software delivered to an end user from a cloud environment.

2. PaaS – Platform as a Service is the second segment of cloud services, Geared mainly to developers, PaaS allows web applications to be both developed and produced via the Internet. The tools used for application development are available via the server, and can be configured to suit the needs and requirements of the user. One of the simpler examples of PaaS is Facebook.

3. IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service is the third segment of cloud services. While SaaS allows usage of cloud apps, and PaaS allows you to develop apps, IaaS gives you infrastructure for developing, running, and storing your apps in cloud environments. The benefit of IaaS is the virtually limitless storage, security and computing power available to organisations without having any physical hardware on site. Amazon EC2 is good example of IaaS.

Mantralogix has years of expertise and experience in cloud computing to help clients open up to a whole new world of opportunities. Call us to talk Cloud Computing today!