SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS are three models of cloud computing that differ primarily in their level of abstraction and the services they provide to users. SaaS, or Software as a Service, delivers software applications over the internet. This means that users can access and use applications through a web browser without needing to install anything locally. Common examples of SaaS include Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and Microsoft 365, where users can create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without managing the underlying hardware or software infrastructure.
PaaS, or Platform as a Service, offers a framework and environment for developers to build, test, and deploy applications without getting involved with the underlying infrastructure. With PaaS, developers can focus on writing code while the platform takes care of things like database management, middleware, and application hosting. A popular example of PaaS is Heroku, which allows developers to deploy their applications easily without worrying about managing the servers or operating systems that run their code. PaaS typically includes tools for development, project management, and application monitoring, enhancing developers' productivity.
IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service, provides virtualized computing resources over the internet. This model gives users the most control and flexibility because they can rent servers, storage, and networking resources. With IaaS, developers can configure everything as needed, including the operating system and installed applications. Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2 is a prime example of IaaS, allowing users to launch virtual machines with varying configurations based on their needs. Unlike SaaS and PaaS, IaaS requires users to manage their operating systems and applications, making it suitable for those who need more control over their IT resources.