Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) :

Infrastructure-as-a-Service is a cloud-computing offering in which a vendor provides users access to computing resources such as servers, storage and networking. Organizations use their own platforms and applications within a service provider’s infrastructure.

Key features:

• Instead of purchasing hardware outright, users pay for IaaS on demand.

• Infrastructure is scalable depending on processing and storage needs.

• Saves enterprises the costs of buying and maintaining their own hardware.

• Because data is on the cloud, there can be no single point of failure.

• Enables the virtualization of administrative tasks, freeing up time for other work.

Platform as a service (PaaS):

Platform as a service is a cloud computing offering that provides users with a cloud environment in which they can develop, manage and deliver applications. In addition to storage and other computing resources, users are able to use a suite of prebuilt tools to develop, customize and test their own applications.

Key features:

• PaaS provides a platform with tools to test, develop and host applications in the same environment.

• Enables organizations to focus on development without having to worry about underlying infrastructure.

• Providers manage security, operating systems, server software and backups.

• Facilitates collaborative work even if teams work remotely.