Cloud technology can transform any organization’s operations and efficiency. Streamlining communications and increasing effectiveness in safe and secure ways are positives to using cloud technology that any organization can benefit from. While cloud technologies are great tools and can improve any business, they are not one-size-fits-all. Different cloud technologies have different features and intricacies. Which cloud technology platform is right for your business?
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Perhaps the most widely known type of cloud service is Software as a Service (SaaS). This type of cloud service has multiple features to it, including file storage and backup, web-based email, and project management tools. This cloud service may be right for larger organizations that want different systems, like email and documents, to smoothly work together. Having various features all stored on the same cloud services allows for a smooth integration and communication process that allows for the secure storing, sharing, and access of information. Software as a Service (SaaS) may be a good option for businesses that want most of the cloud process already functioning and easy to use. Examples of Software as a Service (Saas) cloud providers include Microsoft Office 365, Drobbox, Google WorkSpace, Slack, AppDynamics, and Pardot Marketing Automation.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Another option for cloud services is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). This type of cloud service provider provides the infrastructure that many cloud service providers need to manage Software as a Service tool. It has the data center framework necessary to do so, without the need for heavy resources or on-site installations. With this cloud service, the hardware resources for the cloud to function are already provided and managed by external parties. This option allows users to outsource the expenses and complexities of the cloud-like management hardware resources, while the users must manage the servers, networking, storage, and virtualization parts of the cloud. This type of cloud service is good for organizations that have the bandwidth to manage servers, networking, storage, and virtualization of the cloud. Examples of Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) cloud providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Rackspace, and Google Compute Engine.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (Paas) is the third main type of cloud service provider. This type of cloud service provider functions as a web-based environment where developers can build cloud apps. A database, operating system, and programming language are provided so that organizations can develop their own cloud-based software and already have the working foundations to do so. This allows software developers to build custom applications online in their cloud. This cloud service may be good for organizations that have the ability, resources, and desire to build and customize cloud apps specific to their company. Examples of Platform as a Service (PaaS) include Microsoft Azure, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Force.com, Google App Engine, Rackspace, OpenShift, and Apache Stratos.
Functions as a Service (FaaS)
Functions as a Service (Faas) is a newer type of cloud service provider. With Functions as a Service (FaaS), the lower-level infrastructure decisions and server management is done through serverless computing and managed by the cloud service provider. With this option, software developers develop applications and specific functions or actions without maintaining a server as the server is hosted externally. This cloud service provider may be good for organizations that wish to have their server hosted externally. Examples of Functions as a Service (FaaS) include Google Cloud Function, Microsoft Azure, Iron.io, Open Whisk, and AWS Lambda.
Choosing the Right Cloud Technology Platform for Your Business
We recognize there are many options for cloud technologies and the intricacies between the cloud providers can be difficult to understand. It can be confusing to know which cloud service provider is truly right for your business and what different features they can offer. Acentauri Digital offers consulting services to help you choose the right cloud technology for your business. Our advisory process includes a cloud strategy and road map, product development advisory of using cloud services, cloud adoption, and cloud security advisory to allow you to talk through your wants and needs of a cloud service specific to your organization. Contact us today to choose the right cloud technology platform for your business.
