Software | Cloud

What is a cloud?

A cloud is actually a network that forms a "cloud" with all the computers connected to it. Software, files, servers and databases are not stored offline but online in the cloud and are accessible through the internet. Well-known cloud providers are Azure (Microsoft), AWS (Amazon) and the Google Cloud Platform.

Working in the cloud might be beneficial for blockchain-based projects, but it is not based on the same principle. Cloud computing has a centralized structure for retrieving but also processing data, which is not the case with blockchain.

There are three kinds of cloud services: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). ID2Bytes® provides cloud services of all three forms and - more importantly - the development of apps and tools on a PaaS or IaaS cloud environment. An example of a cloud application developed by us is Plansysteem Online, an online tool used by companies to quickly and easily plan hours and activities of employees.

With Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), you use a server space that is fully configurable. It’s a form of cloud computing that provides computing resources over the Internet. The cloud provider provides IT infrastructures such as storage, server and network resources. This infrastructure is accessible via the internet. ID2Bytes® has developed various tools on IaaS environments.

How does IaaS work?

IaaS allows you to access resources and services via a WAN network (such as the internet). With IaaS you can use the cloud, but you have to arrange the software and resources yourself. Therefore, companies choosing a IaaS solution must have the technical skills to set up and maintain the servers.

Benefits of IaaS

  • Compared to PaaS and SaaS, IaaS is the cheaper form of cloud computing.
  • IaaS is accessible 24/7 everywhere from any device with a browser and an internet connection.
  • IaaS is scalable: it’s easy for customers to scale up or down.
  • With IaaS you can set up the infrastructure yourself, which gives you more flexibility.

IaaS allows users to make use of an “empty space” on the cloud but PaaS goes one step further. With PaaS, the cloud provider also takes care of the space. PaaS provides, for example, development tools, infrastructure and operating systems. The cloud provider manages the server space, so that’s out of your hands.

How does PaaS work?

IaaS allows you to access resources and services via a WAN network (such as the internet). With IaaS you can use the cloud, but you have to arrange the software and resources yourself. Therefore, companies choosing a IaaS solution must have the technical skills to set up and maintain the servers.

PaaS doesn’t replace the entire IT infrastructure, but certainly for a large part. It is delivered through private, hybrid, or public clouds.

Advantages of PaaS:

  • PaaS is simple to use.
  • With PaaS, you don’t need to worry about maintenance and updates.
  • PaaS is accessible 24/7 everywhere from any device with a browser and an internet connection
  • PaaS is more affordable than traditional on-premise software. You pay per use, so you don't have to spend large sums of money at once.

SaaS is a form of cloud computing that consists of ready-to-use software that is available from a third party. So it’s very accessible and easy to use. Most SaaS applications are built on IaaS or PaaS platforms.

How does SaaS work?

With SaaS, the cloud provider supplies complete and ready-to-use online software in the cloud. It is easy to use and can be delivered quickly. A well-known example of SaaS is Google Docs. It’s available online, documents are stored in the cloud and it’s user-friendly. On the other hand, because it is a ready-to-use solution, you have less flexibility adapting it to your wishes. One of the SaaS solutions ID2bytes® provides is Plansysteem Online, a digital calendar for modern companies.

SaaS apps are usually accessible through web browsers and on any computer with a working internet connection. When your company has a SaaS subscription , they don’t have to worry about any development, maintenance and installation of applications.

Advantages of SaaS:

  • A subscription allows companies to budget the costs well. They don’t have to spend huge amounts of money on software.
  • SaaS is scalable, it is easy to scale up or down.
  • When using SaaS, there’s no need to worry about maintenance and updates, because that’s the Job of the SaaS provider (in this case ID2Bytes®).
  • SaaS is accessible 24/7 everywhere from any device with a browser and an internet connection.

The choice for IaaS, PaaS or SaaS depends very much on a company’s need. Is there a need for just a storage space or a server (IaaS)? Or also software (PaaS)? Or rather a ready-to-use application that can be used immediately (SaaS)? Not to mention the time-to-market timeline. In any case, the further you go in the structure (IaaS -> PaaS -> SaaS), the faster it works and the more user-friendly it becomes, but the less flexible you are to have it tailor made. IaaS therefore provides complete freedom, but does require maintenance and development. SaaS is a ready-to-use end product, but you are bound by what has been developed. PaaS is somewhere in between.