What is the difference between SaaS, IaaS, PaaS and DaaS?

What is the difference between SaaS, IaaS, PaaS and DaaS?

SaaS, IaaS, PaaS and DaaS

When it comes to cloud computing, there are four main models: software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and desktop as a service (DaaS). In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at each of these models and explore the key differences between them.

Software as a Service (SaaS) Definition

SaaS is a software distribution model in which software is offered on a subscription basis. SaaS applications are typically accessed via a web browser or an application programming interface (API). To use a SaaS application, subscribers do not need to install software on their own computer, and application upgrades are done at the discretion of the provider. Because of this, SaaS is often called "on demand" software. Email, CRM software, and office suites are all examples of SaaS applications. However, unlike PaaS and DaaS which provide deployment and configuration services, SaaS requires the delivery of application software on a subscription basis.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Definition

IaaS is a cloud computing model in which infrastructure is offered as a service. The vendor's service is to maintain the equipment and infrastructure, while the customer pays for access rather than owning physical hardware. That means providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are able to offer IaaS services at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure setups.

IaaS started appearing in the real world in 2010. It is a viable alternative to traditional approaches to cloud computing, such as virtualization, to enable new levels of scalability and flexibility for an existing infrastructure or application.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) Definition

PaaS is a cloud computing model in which platforms are offered as a service. The term describes a cloud computing model in which a third party or self-service provider offers the infrastructure and applications needed to create, deploy and host websites, APIs, mobile apps and other services through one seamless process. With PaaS providers like Azure, developers can focus on writing logic for their application without having to worry about the underlying technology that runs it - from operating systems to underlying hardware.

PaaS started appearing in the real world in 2007. It is a viable alternative to traditional approaches to cloud computing, such as virtualization, to enable new levels of scalability and flexibility for an existing infrastructure or application. PaaS is the most popular category of cloud services offered today and expected to continue growing.

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Definition

DaaS is a cloud computing model in which desktops is offered as a service. DaaS providers offer virtual desktops, which are hosted on a server in the cloud and presented to users through a web browser. Users can access their desktops from any internet-connected device.

DaaS started appearing in the real world in 2012. It is a viable alternative to traditional desktop computing, to enable users to access their applications and data from any internet-connected device. DaaS is growing in popularity as more businesses look for ways to improve flexibility and reduce costs.

So, what's the key difference between SaaS, IaaS, PaaS and DaaS?


SaaS is a software distribution model, IaaS is a cloud computing model, PaaS is a cloud computing model and DaaS is a cloud computing model.

IaaS provides infrastructure as a service, PaaS provides platform as a service and DaaS provides data as a service.

SaaS applications are typically accessed via a web browser or an API, while IaaS, PaaS and DaaS resources are accessed via a cloud management console or an API.

The key difference between SaaS, IaaS, PaaS and DaaS is that SaaS is a software as a service model, while IaaS, PaaS and DaaS are all cloud computing models. While SaaS applications are accessed via a web browser or an API, IaaS, PaaS and DaaS resources are accessed via a cloud management console or an API. Another key difference is that SaaS is delivered on a subscription basis, while IaaS, PaaS and DaaS are all offered on a pay-as-you-go basis.


James Phipps 27 July, 2022
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