Whether you are running a small-sized software company or own an international firm, cloud computing must have become a part of your business operations. In the last decade or so, cloud computing solutions such as SaaS, TaaS, IaaS, and PaaS, have changed the way businesses work.
A wide range of scalable solutions, a pay-as-you-go pricing structure, and access to secure infrastructures, make the cloud a preferred mode for performing various activities. From software development firms such as Vates to systems integration services and data analytics, businesses are practically doing everything on the cloud.
Despite that the cloud has become a multi-billion dollar industry with over 90 percent of businesses already on it, not everyone can differentiate between the popular cloud solutions. Let’s break it down for you in this blog, so that you can find the right cloud solution for your needs.
The Basics
Let’s start with the basics. Here are the definitions of four of the most common cloud services that you may need for your business.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service is a cloud solution that allows businesses to access software/applications on a cloud platform. Examples include Dropbox, Google Apps, and Microsoft365. SaaS is the most popular cloud service that all consumers and businesses use, thus generating the highest revenue in the cloud segment.
Testing as a Service (TaaS)
Testing as a Service is a cloud solution that works best for businesses looking to improve the quality of their software. Software testing services such as Vates are third-party vendors that test an application in cloud-hosted labs.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service allows businesses to store their data, compute their processes, and manage a virtual server in the cloud. Popular providers of IaaS include Amazon Web Services, IBM, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service is a cloud solution that allows businesses to use cloud-based platforms for app development and other operations. The platform on the cloud includes automation tools, coding support, and is structurally sound to support any IT process. Example of PaaS include Google App Engine, Apprenda, Heroku, etc.
Now that you know the definitions of different cloud solutions, let’s look at their utility, benefits, and downsides. Let’s start with SaaS.
When to Use SaaS
Here are the times when you will need to use Software as a Service.
- Need Seamless Solutions: When you’re in need of software and applications to seamlessly run your day-to-day-business processes.
- Want to Avoid Maintenance: Not every business is equipped to deal with IT maintenance. SaaS is an ideal solution for such businesses.
- Agile and Cost-Effective Model: SaaS allows businesses to use the most sophisticated applications and software at the most affordable prices.
Benefits of SaaS
Here are some of the biggest benefits of SaaS.
Wide Accessibility
Unlike on-premise networks that need employees to be physically present to access software, SaaS allows businesses to grant remote accessibility. This improves collaboration between the teams and increases flexibility.
Lower Costs
SaaS tools, applications, and software are available at a pay-as-you-go pricing. This helps businesses benefit from affordable pricing instead of investing in expensive software installations and IT teams.
Quick Updates
While using SaaS, the user does not have to worry about software updates and maintenance. Instead, the SaaS provider is responsible for software updates and quickly performs them.
Downsides of SaaS
However, here are some drawbacks to using SaaS.
- Zero infrastructure control as the software is completely managed by SaaS provider.
- No control over code or software development as your business will only be using the software as offered by the provider.
- Inability to customize the software. In case you need custom software solutions for your business needs, Software as a Service will not work for you.
Here’s When to Use TaaS
Here’s when you’ll need Testing as a Service.
- Need of Quick Cycle: If your software development firm needs to quickly complete a SDLC, then TaaS can help you.
- Improve Quality of Software: Agile software development companies understand the importance of high-quality software, TaaS lets you achieve that.
- Lack Resources: Not all firms can carry out sophisticated software testing on their own, TaaS is a feasible solution for such enterprises.
Benefits of TaaS
Here are the benefits of outsourcing software testing and quality assurance to companies such as Vates.
Cost-Effective Solution
TaaS is a cost-effective solution that allows businesses to develop quality product without investing in testing labs and tools.
Access to Experts
TaaS has a pool of expert software testers that are otherwise difficult to hire and retain. TaaS allows you to temporarily benefit from such experts.
Wide Range of Resources and Tools
TaaS providers such as Vates have a wide range of resources and automation tools. This includes the state-of-the-art testing labs that non-tech businesses and small development services cannot invest in.
Automated and Agile Process
If you are looking to quickly test and deploy an application, then TaaS can help you do just that. The agility and automation has made TaaS a popular choice for businesses in recent years.
Downside of TaaS
However, here are some of the drawbacks of TaaS.
- Lack of Communication in Offshoring: You can also opt for nearshore outsourcing companies such as Vates to avoid the communication gap.
- Risk of Copyright Infringement: Software testing services have access to your software prior to deployment. This may be a risk but can be averted by signing legal contracts.
When to Use IaaS
Infrastructure as a Service is another one of the most popular cloud computing services. Here are the times when your business might need to use IaaS.
- When Looking to Save Costs: Businesses opt for IaaS infrastructure when they are on the lookout for cost-effective IT solutions.
- Build Robust Infrastructure: Businesses in need of robust servers, data storage, and computing power look up to IaaS.
- Zero Downtime and Hiccups: If your enterprise wants to reduce downtime, IaaS is the perfect solution for you.
Benefits of IaaS
Here are some of the benefits of using IaaS.
Cost-Effective
Like all cloud solutions, IaaS is a cost-effective alternative to hosting your data in-house. The pay-as-you-go pricing makes IaaS ideal solution for small businesses.
Scalable and Flexible
IaaS allows businesses to upscale or downscale their computing and storage capacity as per their needs. This makes it a highly flexible cloud model.
Higher Data Security
IaaS providers have robust security protocols in place, making it great for big data consulting companies such as Vates and businesses looking to improve data security.
Downside of IaaS
Here are some of the drawbacks of IaaS.
- Limited control over the backend infrastructure and inability to make changes.
- Restriction with patching and systems integration as the controls lie with the provider.
- Adaptability issues with legacy apps that may need to be reconstructed to fit the cloud environment.
When to Use PaaS
Platform as a Service is a scaled-down version of IaaS—and here are times when you may need it.
- Need to Deploy Quickly: Instead of building applications in-house and then migrating to the cloud to deploy, PaaS speeds up the process.
- Seek Affordable Solutions: If you’re looking for custom development at affordable pricing, PaaS is a cost-effective model for that.
- Want to Benefit from Other Tools: You may not have the access to the latest development tools and infrastructure, but PaaS allows you to access everything remotely.
Benefits of PaaS
Here are the benefits of using Platform as a Service.
Faster Coding
By using PaaS, software development services can quickly code and deploy their products in the cloud environment.
Quicker Marketing
PaaS allows businesses to market their products quickly without having to worry about investing in infrastructure, teams, and testing solutions.
Better Quality Software
Eventually, the end result is better than the rest. PaaS is equipped with the latest tools, robust security mechanisms, and makes it great to churn out top-notch quality software projects in less time.
Downside of PaaS
But like everything great, here are some of the drawbacks of using PaaS.
- Limited control over backend infrastructure as you can only access the tools and features.
- Higher data vulnerability and risk as many people are using PaaS environments simultaneously.
- Dependency on PaaS provider for the smallest of updates, backups, and maintenance. You cannot make any changes to the PaaS environment while leveraging the technology.
Need Help Choosing the Right Cloud Solution?
Choosing a cloud solution solely depends on your business needs and the goals of cloud migration. However, if you are having a hard time picking the right model (or more than one models), then reach out to Vates.
Vates is also a leading software testing and QA service in Argentina. The South American software development company offers IoT solutions, custom software development services, big data analytics and consulting, and a wide range of nearshore outsourcing services. Get in touch today!
