Identify Appropriate Use Cases for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
Slide deck explaining how to identify appropriate use cases for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, comparing service types with deployment models, responsibility stacks, scenarios, and common pitfalls.
Identify Appropriate Use Cases for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
Introduction to identifying appropriate use cases for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, covering how to choose the right service model based on responsibilities and requirements.
Identify Appropriate Use Cases for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
Introduction to identifying appropriate use cases for IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, covering how to choose the right service model based on responsibilities and requirements.
Choosing IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS
More control usually means more responsibility. You choose a responsibility split. Control vs operational work. Use the 'who manages what' test. OS responsibility is a key clue.
Service type vs deployment model
Service type equals who manages what; deployment model equals where it runs. Service types: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS. Deployment models: public, private, hybrid. You can mix them (they're not the same decision).
Responsibility stack
IaaS/PaaS/SaaS move the management line up the stack. Hardware and datacenter are provider-managed. OS responsibility is a major differentiator. Apps and data don't disappear—you still own your decisions there.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
If you manage the OS, it's typically IaaS. Common form: Virtual Machines (VMs). You manage: OS, patching, configuration, installed software. Provider manages: datacenter and physical infrastructure.
Scenario: lift-and-shift
OS admin control equals IaaS. Existing server moved with minimal changes. Needs OS-level settings and admin access. Best fit: IaaS. Misconception: provider manages your OS in IaaS.
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
You deploy code; the provider manages the OS and platform. You manage: app logic, configuration, data. Provider manages: infrastructure plus OS/platform components. Great when you want speed without server maintenance.
Scenario: build and release fast
No OS/server work plus you deploy code equals PaaS. Team wants fast delivery. Avoid OS patching and server maintenance. Best fit: PaaS. Misconception: 'managed' automatically means SaaS.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
SaaS is a complete app you use, not a platform you run. Provider runs: infrastructure, platform, application. You manage: users, access, in-app settings, your data. Best fit: ready-to-use business apps.
Scenario: ready-to-use business app
If you're consuming a finished app, it's typically SaaS. Need: collaboration suite or CRM. Want: no app installs/updates/maintenance. Best fit: SaaS. Misconception: subscription pricing defines SaaS.
Scenario: managed database
Managed database for your app is usually PaaS, not SaaS. Provider handles: patching, backups, availability. You handle: schema, data model, app usage patterns. Best fit: typically PaaS. Misconception: 'managed' automatically means SaaS.
Common pitfalls
Use the responsibility split to stay consistent. Pitfall: one 'best default' for all workloads. Pitfall: mixing service types with deployment models. Pitfall: calling code deployment 'SaaS'. Correction: start with 'who manages what' (OS clue helps).
Cheat sheet: OS clue + intent
OS control, code deployment, or finished app—pick the matching service type. Manage OS equals IaaS. Deploy code, no OS equals PaaS. Use finished app equals SaaS. Mixing IaaS/PaaS/SaaS is normal.