Cloud Service Models: A Simple What-Is Analysis

Have you ever wondered how businesses can effortlessly connect with their users across the globe while efficiently managing their data and applications? This is where Cloud Computing comes into picture. As remote work and global outreach becomes the norm, the demand for cloud services skyrockets, offering seamless access to crucial resources from anywhere. In navigating the landscape of hybrid and remote workforces, service providers now explore a spectrum of cloud solutions – from IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS – unlocking a myriad of possibilities for streamlined operations and cost-effective strategies.

1.     Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

• IaaS Concept:

•   Businesses can use virtual computers and storage accessible over the internet.

•   Resembles renting a computer and storage space in a data center.

•   Similar to leasing a car that can be driven without owning it permanently.

• IaaS Providers:

•   Oracle and Microsoft are providers of Infrastructure as a Service.

• Oracle IaaS Products: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Oracle Compute, Oracle Storage, and Oracle Networking services

• Microsoft IaaS Products: Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure Networking services (e.g., Azure Virtual Network)

2.     Platform as a Service (PaaS)

•PaaS Concept:

•   Developers have access to resources, such as Database, needed to create and run application software.

•   Developers are provided with tools to operate business functions without the concern of having to build or maintain the tool.

•   Resembles using a taxi, where you tell the driver where you want to go and take the back seat.

•     PaaS Providers:

•   Oracle and Microsoft are key Cloud platform providers in the market.

• Oracle PaaS Products: Oracle Cloud Platform, Oracle Application Container Cloud, Oracle Integration Cloud, and Oracle Blockchain Platform

• Microsoft PaaS Products: Azure App Service, Azure SQL Database (PaaS offering), Azure Logic Apps, and Azure Functions

• Salesforce PaaS Products: Salesforce Lightning Platform, Salesforce App Cloud, MuleSoft (now part of Salesforce), and Heroku

3.     Software as a Service (SaaS)

• SaaS Concept:

•   Offers pre-built software solutions for diverse tasks.

•   Utilizing software over the internet without the need for local installation.

•   All updates and maintenance are handled by the SaaS provider.

•   Users are relieved from the responsibility of managing software updates.

•   Resembles riding a bus, where the bus already has predefined routes and the ride is shared with other passengers.

• SaaS Providers:

•   Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce are prominent SaaS providers.

• Oracle SaaS Products: Oracle Cloud Applications (e.g., Oracle ERP Cloud, Oracle HCM Cloud), Oracle Customer Experience (CX) Cloud, and Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) Cloud

• Microsoft SaaS Products: Microsoft 365 (Includes Office 365, Teams, SharePoint), and Dynamics 365 (e.g., Dynamics 365 Sales, Dynamics 365 Finance)

• Salesforce SaaS Products: Salesforce Sales Cloud, Salesforce Service Cloud, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud