Software-as-a-service (SaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) are some of the most popular cloud computing platforms that allow us to build, manage, and store information over the internet. There is hardly a day that we don’t use these three forms of software, and it’s crucial to understand what they do and how they can benefit our business activities.
Let’s discuss some of the best cloud computing platforms for small businesses. We’ll also discuss the various features and benefits of these platforms and how they can help your business.
What Is Cloud Computing?
With cloud computing, your business can get the resources it needs, at a low cost, without spending too much money on hardware and software. Cloud computing allows you to access a wide range of IT services and infrastructure at a time when you need them.
Cloud computing has flexibility and allows businesses to choose the services they need and the tools they need from various providers. Although there are only three service models, selecting the right one for your business can be very challenging.
SaaS
Software as a service (SaaS) is a type of cloud computing created by a company and made available to businesses over the internet. It can be a subscription-based service or a one-time payment.
Most of the time, entrepreneurs use software-as-a-service platforms to manage their various business activities. They can use Google Drive to store their documents and files and use platforms such as Zoom and Hubspot to connect with potential customers.
For instance, if you’re an entrepreneur who uses software-as-a-service platforms, you’ll notice that your company doesn’t have to develop its video call software. Instead, you can use Zoom, a subscription-based company, to manage its video call and other business activities. You can also keep your company’s documents and photos in Google Drive, a cloud computing platform.
You didn’t build the software you used to send marketing messages and collect leads. Instead, you paid a subscription fee for Hubspot, a content management system that you can use to manage your marketing efforts and avoid installing the software on your computer.
PaaS
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to build custom software without dealing with the management and storage issues associated with traditional software development.
Although it’s possible to build software by hiring an in-house engineer, businesses will instead use a SaaS company to do it for them. SaaS companies leverage PaaS platforms to develop and host their software. These SaaS companies include Google App Engine, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Windows Azure, Heroku, and Apprenda.
IaaS
Innovation as a Service (IaaS) is the central hub of all things cloud computing. It houses all cloud computing software for your business.
IaaS is the most popular cloud computing platform for managing and hosting software data. It uses physical servers to store and manage data in the cloud and connects to PaaS companies through an application programming interface (API). IaaS companies include IBM Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Oracle, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Choosing the Right One For Your Small Business
Before using cloud computing, you must clearly understand your chosen platform. For instance, if you’re planning on using a SaaS product, you might have to decide between hiring a team of developers or settling for a subscription-based platform. On the other hand, if you’re planning on using a PaaS platform, you might have to decide between hosting your software with a company or buying space directly from IaaS.
It all depends on the size of your company, the business model, and the available resources. For instance, if your company is a small or medium-sized business, you should consider using a quarter of a million existing software products to manage your business activities.