SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS are the three main types of cloud computing services. SaaS provides software applications through a web-based interface. PaaS offers platforms for building and hosting applications. IaaS provides basic computing infrastructure like servers and storage. The document explains the key differences between these "as-a-service" models and advises readers to identify their needs to determine the best option.

1. Which “aaS” is Right for You?

2. Cloud Computing
• Cloud computing is a very broad term that
encompasses anything from Facebook to Twitter to
Google Apps to Amazon’s S3
• When considering cloud computing, it’s important to
decide what kind of cloud you’re talking about
• Each “aaS” (careful how you pronounce that) is very
different so you need to understand which is right for
you

3. SaaS
• SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)
provides network-based
access and management of
software in a centralized
location that can be accessed
remotely via the web
• Allows for frequent integration
into a larger network of
software
• One-to-many model
• Example: Google Apps

4. SaaS
• Main benefits:
– Flexibility
– Scalability
• Criticisms:
– Lack of personal control
(systems are centrally
controlled)
– Need to alter business
processes to fit the system
– Security issues

5. PaaS
• PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service)
allows companies to rent
hardware and software to
build applications, rather
than owning, running and
developing on an internal IT
infrastructure
• Servers, operating systems
and maintenance rolled all
into one bill
– Up to you to run and serve
applications and data off the
servers

6. PaaS
• Features:
– Application design &
development
– Testing
– Deployment
– Hosting
– Collaboration
• Example: force.com

7. IaaS
• IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service)
is the base level of the cloud
computing stack
• Serves as a foundation for PaaS
and SaaS in terms of execution
• Cloud infrastructure (i.e. servers,
routers, hardware, storage, etc.)
is provided by an IaaS vendor
• Never have to pay directly for any
hardware
• Example: Amazon’s EC2

8. SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS
• If you’re looking for:
– Online networks to enhance
collaboration, you need SaaS
– System to support the entire
lifecycle of your web
applications, you need PaaS
– Virtual place to host and
manage your data, you need
IaaS
• Before implementing cloud
services, identify your needs
then figure out which “aaS”
provides that

9. After Deploying Your “aaS”…
• After deploying your “aaS” service, don’t forget to
have a backup plan in case of any point of failure,
accidental deletion, employee error, hack, or glitch in
your system
• Backupify provides both a social media and Google
Apps backup solution