With the advent of cloud computing, it is possible to share and collaborate on documents essential to the success of your home business without emailing or mailing files to collaborators. Cloud computing autosaves and syncs your documents with the cloud in real-time. There are three types of cloud computing services: Software as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service, and Platform as a Service. Each one offers advantages and disadvantages for home business owners.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
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SaaS allows the user to access software and apps through the cloud client. Therefore, the home business owner does not have to download programs and applications to their computer in order to perform activities essential to their business. The SaaS cloud provider manages all software installations and updates to the cloud for the user to access. This type of service is best for users who have little time to devote to managing the applications they use on the cloud or who are less tech-savvy.
Pros: The user does not have to install software on their computer. All information is stored directly in the cloud, which offers additional protection for essential documents.
Cons: The user’s data is stored remotely on the cloud provider’s server and not on their computer, which can expose the user’s data to theft or unauthorized access.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS gives the user more control over the data, operating systems, and applications they use on the cloud while the IaaS provider handles all the technical aspects of managing the cloud itself. If you have time to devote to managing the programs and applications you use on the cloud, then this option is best for you.
Pros: The user does not have to manage servers and other technical aspects of cloud computing.
Cons: The user must install programs and applications in the cloud and must be tech-savvy.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS providers give the user access to a computing platform that the user can then use to create and deploy applications which they provide to their clients. PaaS providers are best for software developers and users with a high level of tech-savviness. However, PaaS can also be used by any business to access one or two essential programs which are managed by the service provider.
Pros: The user does not have to manage the programs or applications they are using through the service, so they can focus on creating and selling their product.
Cons: If the user wants to switch service providers, it can be difficult to transfer data created in the PaaS to a new one, as many PaaS providers do not support data migration to competitors.
When deciding which cloud computing type is best for your home business, there are a couple of things you should seriously consider. You should consider the amount of support you will need as you use the service. You should also consider how much time you have to devote to managing the service you receive.