What each one provides
These cloud services differ in how much the provider manages:
- SaaS (software as a service): Ready-to-use software, such as online email. Your team uses and configures it.
- PaaS (platform as a service): A place to run an app your team builds. The provider handles much of the server setup.
- IaaS (infrastructure as a service): Rented servers, storage, and networks. Your team sets up and manages the software running on them.
Who does the work?
The more the provider manages, the less setup your team does. More control usually means more work to maintain and secure the service. Products can mix these approaches, so ask which parts the provider manages and which your team manages.