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Cloud Service Models

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Summary

PDF p.155

Cloud service models are categorized based on their complexity and pre-configuration levels, commonly referred to as XaaS (Anything as a Service). The three primary models are Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Each model offers different levels of control, flexibility, and responsibility.

In plain words

Supplementary — not from your PDF

Service models describe how much the provider manages. With SaaS you just use the application. With PaaS you get a managed platform to build on. With IaaS you rent raw servers, storage and networking, and manage everything above them yourself. Going from SaaS to IaaS, you gain control and take on more responsibility.

Detailed explanation

PDF p.155
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Definition: Provisioning software applications hosted on a supplier's servers, accessed on a pay-as-you-go or lease arrangement.
    • Functions: Allows quick provisioning of on-demand applications without the need for client-side deployment.
    • Examples: Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace.
  • Platform as a Service (PaaS)
    • Definition: Provides servers, storage, and network infrastructure along with a multi-tier web application/database platform.
    • Functions: Developers create software that runs on the platform; the service provider ensures platform integrity and availability.
    • Examples: Oracle Database, Microsoft Azure SQL Database, Google App Engine.
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
    • Definition: Provisioning IT resources like servers, load balancers, and storage components quickly, rented from the service provider's datacenter.
    • Functions: Offers flexibility in managing and scaling infrastructure as needed.
    • Examples: Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Microsoft Azure Virtual Machines, Oracle Cloud, OpenStack.
  • Third-Party Vendors
    • Definition: External entities providing cloud services to businesses using IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS models.
    • Considerations: Selection, contract negotiation, service performance, compliance, and communication practices.
    • Strategies: Robust vendor management, service-level agreements (SLAs), security assessments, and multi-cloud or hybrid cloud deployments to mitigate risks.

Important terms

taken from the text above
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Provisioning software applications hosted on a supplier's servers, accessed on a pay-as-you-go or lease arrangement.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Provides servers, storage, and network infrastructure along with a multi-tier web application/database platform.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Provisioning IT resources like servers, load balancers, and storage components quickly, rented from the service provider's datacenter.
Third-Party Vendors
External entities providing cloud services to businesses using IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS models.

Examples & real-world scenarios

Supplementary — not from your PDF
  • SaaS: Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace.
  • PaaS: Azure SQL Database, Google App Engine.
  • IaaS: Amazon EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, OpenStack.

Scenario

A team wants to run a custom OS image with special kernel settings. Only IaaS gives that control. SaaS and PaaS hide the operating system from the customer.

Common mistakes

Supplementary — not from your PDF
  • Mixing up PaaS (a platform to build on) and SaaS (a finished application).
  • Forgetting vendor management: SLAs, security assessments and compliance still matter.

Practical skills

Supplementary — not from your PDF
  • Classify a cloud product as SaaS, PaaS or IaaS.

What I should remember

Key Points PDF p.155
  • SaaS
    • Access: Pay-as-you-go or lease arrangement.
    • Provisioning: Quick on-demand applications.
    • Examples: Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Google Workspace.
  • PaaS
    • Resources: Servers, storage, network infrastructure, multi-tier platforms.
    • Development: Developers create software; provider ensures platform integrity.
    • Examples: Oracle Database, Microsoft Azure SQL Database, Google App Engine.
  • IaaS
    • Provisioning: IT resources rented as needed.
    • Flexibility: Manage and scale infrastructure.
    • Examples: Amazon EC2, Microsoft Azure VMs, Oracle Cloud, OpenStack.
  • Third-Party Vendors
    • Management: Vendor selection, SLAs, security practices.
    • Risks: Vendor lock-in, data portability, interoperability.
    • Strategies: Multi-cloud, hybrid cloud deployments.