As-a-service (-aaS or AAS) are business models in which something is provided to customers (either internally or externally) as a service. Primarily, AAS offerings are focused on services delivered via the cloud. In this blog, we’re only going to explore three types of AAS offerings, but many more exist, including:
- Anything / Everything-as-a-service (XaaS): A general category of cloud computing and remote access services. SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS are all examples of XaaS.
- Function-as-a-service (FaaS): A type of cloud computing that allows users to run individual functions or pieces of code without needing to manage the entire application or infrastructure.
- Containers-as-a-service (CaaS): Helps IT departments and software developers manage and deploy apps using container-based virtualization. (FYI: There are multiple definitions of CaaS, including commerce-as-a-service, content-as-a-service, communications-as-a-service, etc.)
For a near complete list of AAS offerings, check out this big -aaS list from Ryan LaFlamme.
What’s the Difference Between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS?
IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS are cloud computing services that offer an alternative to on-premise IT solutions (where data, apps, and software run on in-house computer servers). On-premise (or on-prem) solutions are a rarity nowadays, but think of the olden days of Adobe InDesign on CD-ROM.
The graphic below provides a high-level overview of the primary differences between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS from an IT perspective (i.e., this is primarily for the techies. All others to see layman's terms below).
Information-As-A-Service (IaaS)
What is IaaS? | IaaS is a type of cloud computing that provides users with access to computing resources, like servers, storage, and networking. It allows users to rent these resources on a pay-as-you-go basis, so they don't need to invest in hardware or software upfront. IaaS customers have full control over the virtual machines and can install and configure their own software and applications. |
Who uses IaaS? |
|
What are examples of IaaS? |
|
What are the benefits of IaaS? |
|
What are the limitations of IaaS? |
|
Platform-As-A-Service (PaaS)
What is PaaS? | PaaS is a cloud computing model in which customers can develop, run, and manage web applications without having to worry about the underlying infrastructure. PaaS provides customers a platform to build and deploy applications quickly and easily. |
Who uses PaaS? |
|
What are examples of PaaS? |
Sitecore's PaaS Products:
|
What are the benefits of PaaS? |
|
What are the limitations of PaaS? |
|
Software-As-A-Service (SaaS)
What is SaaS? | SaaS is a cloud computing model in which software applications are hosted on a remote server, and customers access them through a web browser. SaaS eliminates the need for customers to install and manage the software on their own systems. |
Who uses SaaS? |
|
What are examples of SaaS? |
Sitecore's SaaS Products: |
What are the benefits of SaaS? |
|
What are the limitations of SaaS? |
|
In Summary
Each cloud computing model provides different levels of access to cloud resources and capabilities and can be used for different types of applications. As each serves a distinct purpose, it's essential to determine your business needs to ensure your chosen cloud services provide value.
Have any questions regarding Sitecore’s SaaS and PaaS products? Let us know.
