Which “aaS” is Right for You?

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

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

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

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

PaaS

• Features:– Application design &

development– Testing– Deployment– Hosting– Collaboration

• Example: force.com

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

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

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