Understanding The Cloud: An Introduction For The AEC Industry (2)
How to understand the three cloud computing service models?
As expressed in the cloud computing definition by NIST, as well as in previous articles from our blog, cloud computing involves three stacks - software, platform, and infrastructure. These are meant to help end-users access their resources quickly and easily, from different locations.
In the following lines, we will approach each of them, to offer you information on how to maximize your benefits.
Software as a service (SaaS)
With software as a service, vendors supply software services online, over the Internet, by providing access to apps. This may be charged either under the form of monthly or yearly subscriptions or on a pay-as-you-go basis. In certain conditions, end-users may not pay at all, if the provider identifies a way to monetize their database, usually by serving some forms of advertising.
SaaS end-users have no need for servers and data centers, they are not constrained to purchase hardware or licenses, they have no maintenance responsibilities and, even more, they needn’t worry about upgrades, as all these are covered by their packages.
With software as a service, users require the minimum and only need a web browser, to have access to their data.
Benefits of SaaS include:
Access to complex applications that would take a high amount of resources to create, maintain, purchase, and upgrade. This enables small and medium businesses, with limited budgets, to benefit from sophisticated technologies.
Scaling based on your usage, which means that your plan automatically adjusts according to your company’s needs.
No need for purchasing or installing special software, which eases the deployment process.
Accessibility and adaptability to different touchpoints, since members of the same team, may access the service from different areas, using a wide variety of devices. In this case, there is no need to create apps for several operating systems and develop safety measures, as the provider has already done that.
Data safety. No matter what happens to your computers or systems, the information you have stored in the cloud remains safe.
Examples of SaaS include both Windows and web-based apps used in the AEC industry, such as Microsoft apps (Microsoft Dynamics CRM, for example), Fusion Live, e-Builder, Jonas, Procore Construction Project Management Software etc.
A concept similar to software as a service is hosted software, a model that we have discussed in a previous blog material. Unlike SaaS, this option has a higher initial cost, since it involves actually purchasing software. The advantage is that it is not installed on your company’s computers or servers, but on one that is located outside your premises and supplied by a vendor, that takes care of maintenance. Everything may be accessed from a virtual desktop, which means that end-users have flexibility, as they may effortlessly connect from different touchpoints, as long as they have an Internet connection.
Overall, still, IT costs are reduced, compared to owning the actual structures, and end-users benefit from a high degree of customization. Actually, each customer is treated as an individual, so products may be created according to everyone’s particular needs, without affecting the general ecosystem.
Since the software license is paid upfront, it belongs to the customer, which means that, even after discontinuing the contract with the supplier, the end-user may still use its software version.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a computing platform that enables its clients to develop, run, and manage web applications, without imposing on them the need to build and maintain the associated IT infrastructure.
PaaS is very valuable for developers, as it offers the environment (infrastructure and middleware components) they need to build their apps, thus contributing to greater business agility.
Its benefits include the following:
Increased IT efficiency, by eliminating and simplifying tasks, increasing automation and project speed, fostering quick and effective scalability, streamlining deployment, reducing the number of technology suppliers, as well as IT costs.
Fostering technological and business innovation and providing a coding environment that is easy to use. Moreover, PaaS increases productivity by offering ready-to-use programming components which integrate different technologies, such as AI, IoT, blockchain etc
Reducing risks associated with data loss and security threats, offering the necessary context for data encryption, rapid recovery, quick and effective responses.
Examples of PaaS include Windows and Oracle solutions, Salesforce Apps, VMware Cloud Foundry etc.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a version of cloud computing that provides network and storage infrastructure, to B2B customers, online. Working on a pay-as-you-go system, IaaS offers end-users flexibility, enabling them to scale their resources as needed and adjusting pricing in real-time.
This service is usually platform-independent and functions based on SLAs (service level agreements).
Some of the benefits of IaaS include:
Reducing costs associated with data centers, by sharing them between multiple clients.
Ensuring continuity in case of disaster recovery, as it speeds up processes.
Fostering innovation and rapid development, by providing the necessary computing infrastructure in less than a day.
Offering flexibility and allowing businesses to effectively adjust to spikes in demand and seasonality.
Enabling companies to focus on their core business rather than on IT infrastructure.
Increasing stability and security by providing an environment that is completely managed by the provider.
Examples of IaaS include Microsoft Azure, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, VMware vCloud providers.
Most shifts happen on software, as end-users either move from a Windows-based solution to a web-based one or opt for a combination of both.
Still, an important aspect to take into account is how businesses approach IaaS for their projects. This may be managed by the end-user or the software vendor of the SaaS offering. In most cases, the second option is recommendable, as it clears companies of costs associated with designated equipment that eats up capital, allowing users to opt for a consumption model where businesses may also back charge.
Why choose cloud-based environments?
The purpose of the cloud-based environment is to create a consistent, standardized user experience that may be accessed from various locations and touchpoints, while also cutting down on costs associated with onset infrastructure. This means that entry barriers are cut down, making solutions accessible to a wide range of companies, no matter how big or small.
Moreover, different types of software enable data interpretation, which is extremely desired by managerial structures, as well as allows flexibility to add and decrease configuration, storage space, and capabilities.
How to choose the best option for your company?
All in all, if you are interested in choosing between construction software, shifting towards a comprehensive cloud-based model, or finding the best mix for your company’s needs, asking for specialized help is the best, more cost-effective solution, which will enable you to save resources on the medium- and long-term.
At AECCloud, we have the know-how and the expertise to walk you through the process, so contact us and let’s have a talk about how you should approach the cloud.