Understanding the SPI Model – Find out what Layer Works Best for you!

The Cloud has become a wide range of services that any organization can choose where, when and how they use cloud computing. The SPI model explains the different types of cloud computing services. It is an acronym that stands for Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). But what is the difference between the three, what are the benefits of each one, how do they work together and which fit is best for you?

• SaaS applications are designed for end-users, delivered over the web
• PaaS is the set of tools and services designed to make coding and deploying those applications quick and efficient
• IaaS is the hardware and software that powers it all – servers, storage, networks and operating systems

SaaS: Software as a Service
SaaS is considered to be the most popular form of cloud computing. It is completely run by a 3^rd party data center.  SaaS uses the web to deliver data. Everything is then accessed on the user’s side and eliminates the need to install applications on individual computers.  SaaS is a layer on top of PaaS. One popular example of a SaaS application is Gmail.

Characteristics:

• Web access to commercial software
• Software is managed from a central location
• Users are not required to handle the software upgrades and patches

PaaS: Platform as a Service
PaaS is considered to be the most complex of the three. It is recommended and used by larger companies. PaaS delivers computational resources through a platform. Users can build upon and develop applications. There is no need to buy layers of hardware and software because PaaS makes testing, development and application deployment quick and cost effective. PaaS provides a computing infrastructure and platforms that are installed on top of the hardware. It is beneficial because it is highly scalable. It is also a layer on top of IaaS. An example of PaaS would be Google app engine.

Characteristics:

• Services to develop, test, deploy, host and maintain applications in the same integrated environment
• Web-based user interface creation tools help to create, modify, test and deploy different UI scenarios
• Built-in scalability of deployed software including load balancing and failover

IaaS: Infrastructure as a Service
IaaS delivers infrastructure, storage and networking. The big difference between IaaS, PaaS and SaaS is that you fully manage IaaS by yourself. You are responsible for running your own applications, runtime etc., and the neat thing about it is that you pay for it on a month to month basis by your 3^rd party cloud provider. An example of IaaS would be Google computer engine.

Characteristics:

• Resources are distributed as a service
• Allows for dynamic scaling
• Generally includes multiple users on a single piece of hardware

For more information regarding the SPI Model, visit our website at www.aerocominc.com or call to speak to one of AeroCom’s “Geniuses” today, (877) 465-3505