Cloud Computing Explained Simply: IaaS, PaaS and SaaS
A beginner-friendly explanation of the three main cloud service models, with everyday examples to make the differences easy to remember.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing means using computing resources, such as servers, storage and software, over the internet instead of owning and running them yourself. You use what you need and pay for what you use.
The three service models
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
You rent basic building blocks like virtual servers and storage. You manage the operating system and applications. Example: Amazon EC2.
You rent basic building blocks like virtual servers and storage. You manage the operating system and applications. Example: Amazon EC2.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
The provider manages the servers and operating system. You focus on your application and data. Example: AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
The provider manages the servers and operating system. You focus on your application and data. Example: AWS Elastic Beanstalk.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
You simply use finished software through a browser or app. Example: web email.
You simply use finished software through a browser or app. Example: web email.
An easy way to remember
Think of food. IaaS is buying ingredients and cooking yourself. PaaS is a meal kit. SaaS is eating at a restaurant.
Why it matters
The more the provider manages, the less you control, but also the less you have to maintain. Knowing which model you use also tells you which security tasks are yours.
I am learning these basics while preparing for the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam. Which model do you use most?
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