Wondering which cloud deployment model is the right one for your business?
It’s an important consideration, but not one everybody is familiar with.
You see, cloud service providers (CSPs) have an incredible variety of solutions available capable of addressing the business needs of virtually any company.
For customers, this provides fantastic opportunities with a wide variety of cloud offerings from which to choose. However, it can be challenging for organizations to select the service that best fits their needs.
So, understanding the various cloud deployment models and what they provide is the first step in making the right choice when moving to the cloud.
Let’s take a look at the main cloud deployment models, their pros and cons, and find out which one is right for you.
Three Main Cloud Deployment Models
Cloud deployment models fall into three main categories.
1. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
An SaaS solution provides you with direct access to an application, from any location with an Internet connection. Customers remain end-users of the app, without any maintenance responsibility.
The CSP handles virtually all security for SaaS offerings.
Advantages of SaaS
- Minimal operational management;
- Easy accessibility to applications for mobile workers;
- Customers are charged based on usage;
- Easily scalable to meet fluctuating business requirements.
Disadvantages of SaaS
- Lack of customer control;
- Limited customization choices;
- Possible network latency.
2. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
The PaaS model provides a virtualized application development platform to an organization.
Customers don’t need to purchase hardware or furnish in-house system administration. Infrastructure components and app development services are managed by the CSP.
However, customers have more security responsibilities when using the PaaS model.
Advantages of PaaS
- Cost savings over in-house options;
- CSP provided infrastructure security;
- Availability of cutting-edge technology;
- Supports a remote and distributed development team.
Disadvantages of PaaS
- Potential compatibility issues with existing development environments;
- Customers depend on their CSP’s performance.
3. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)
The IaaS model provides a customer with a customized infrastructure that they manage, on which they can run any applications or operating systems. The customer maintains almost total control over the environment, including additional security responsibilities.
Advantages of IaaS
- Virtually unlimited flexibility and scalability;
- Streamlined deployment;
- Cost-effective compared to upgrading on-premises resources.
Disadvantages of IaaS
- Requires in-house technical resources for infrastructure management;
- Adoption of an IaaS solution may require extensive process changes;
- Vendor lock-in may make it difficult to change cloud providers.
So, Which Model Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right cloud deployment model depends on what you need to accomplish with your company’s IT environment. Each model addresses a different set of business requirements and objectives.
SaaS solutions are easiest to implement since they are primarily supported by the CSP. Companies should look to the SaaS model when they:
- Want to quickly add new functionality to meet specific business requirements;
- Need to support a mobile workforce;
- Don’t have the internal resources to support a new application.
The PaaS model addresses multiple business requirements which include:
- The ability to quickly scale applications;
- The desire to shorten development cycles to further business objectives;
- A need to promote collaboration on development projects by remote teams.
The IaaS model is appropriate for companies who require additional computing power, but don’t want to expend the time and resources to upgrade an on-premises data center. Total control over the environment remains an attractive aspect of this deployment model.
Of course, some companies opt for a combination of cloud deployment models to meet their unique business requirements.
For example, an organization may implement a cloud-based SaaS solution to increase the productivity of its remote workforce. At the same time, they may take advantage of a PaaS offering that enables them to quickly develop and test a new application with minimal upfront costs.
It simply depends on your needs and goals.
Ideal Offers the Cloud Model You Need
So, where do you go next?
Whether you know exactly what you need, or still have questions, our team of experts at Ideal Integrations are here to help, along with our cybersecurity division, Blue Bastion.
The cloud experts at Ideal Integrations will work with you to determine the cloud deployment model that best fits your business requirements.
Whether it’s simply adding functionality with an SaaS solution, or migrating an on-premises data center to an IaaS infrastructure, we have you covered. Talk to us today at 412-349-6680, or fill out the form below, and our security and IT experts will gladly outline your options and best solutions.