Cloud computing explained simply: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS

Cloud computing is an essential element of digital transformation, enabling companies to drive their digital transformation forward efficiently. Imagine having access to a flexible and scalable IT infrastructure that allows you to use resources such as computing power, storage, and applications via the internet.

With cloud computing, you can optimize your business processes by responding quickly to changing requirements. You only pay for the resources you actually use and can easily adjust them as needed. This means you don’t have to make large investments and still have a powerful IT infrastructure at your disposal.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing means that IT resources are no longer operated locally but are provided via the internet. Instead of purchasing their own servers, software, or platforms, companies rent them flexibly from a cloud provider.

The most important models are:

• SaaS: complete software solutions from the cloud
• PaaS: development and operating environments for your own applications
• IaaS: basic infrastructure such as servers, storage, or networks

Investment in cloud services is growing rapidly in Switzerland. According to a forecast by MSM Research AG, the cloud market will grow strongly until 2025. In 2022, a total of CHF 3,341.6 million was invested in cloud services. Of this, CHF 1,251.1 million was spent on software as a service (SaaS), CHF 804.9 million on platform as a service (PaaS), and CHF 1,285.6 million on infrastructure as a service (IaaS).

By 2025, investments will grow to an impressive CHF 5,381.3 million. SaaS is expected to account for CHF 1,196.3 million, PaaS for CHF 1,050.1 million, and IaaS for CHF 1,527.5 million. These figures illustrate how rapidly the importance of cloud solutions is growing for Swiss companies.

On-premise systems are operated in the company’s own data center. This means full control, but also high investments in hardware, maintenance, and personnel.

Cloud solutions, on the other hand, offer flexibility, scalability, and lower entry costs, but less control and dependence on external providers.
On-premise vs. cloud

What should companies look out for when integrating the cloud?

To truly understand cloud computing, you need to go beyond the usual definitions of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS. Technical aspects that determine the success or cost explosion of many projects are crucial:

• Virtualization and containerization determine how flexibly workloads can be moved.
• Multi-cloud and hybrid strategies determine reliability and independence from providers.
• Security architectures with zero trust, encryption, and clear access rights are important for compliance in regulated industries.

Cost traps often arise when instances are incorrectly dimensioned or data is outsourced in an uncontrolled manner. Those who take these factors into account do not make cloud decisions based on gut feeling, but with a clear, long-term strategy.

Our development plattformKUBE-X is based on over 20 years of experience in customised software development and is based on technologies and processes that sustainably improve software development. KUBE-X was developed specifically for the development of enterprise software. This innovative development platform offers numerous advantages and is ideal for development on cloud computing services.

On-premise and the advantages of KUBE-X

While on-premise solutions generally require high initial investment and operating costs, KUBE-X can reduce costs and simplify setup through its standardised architecture and ability to run on existing hardware.

SaaS and the benefits of KUBE-X

KUBE-X can be used to develop SaaS applications, drastically reducing development time and costs through pre-built components and automation.

IaaS and KUBE-X

KUBE-X supports IaaS through Infrastructure as Code libraries that simplify and automate the provision and management of cloud resources.

KUBE-X as a platform for PaaS solutions

With its Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) features, in-built security features and support for various databases and event bus systems, KUBE-X provides a solid platform for developing and hosting PaaS solutions.

Why is KUBE-X ideal for cloud technology?

KUBE-X is particularly advantageous because of its flexibility and adaptability to different environments, be it on-premise, SaaS, IaaS or PaaS. It integrates modern security practices, supports rapid development through low-code/no-code approaches and promotes reusability and standardisation, making it a cost-effective solution.

Based on the needs and requirements of your business, KUBE-X can be deployed in various scenarios to minimise development costs and maximise operational efficiency. For organisations that require rapid scaling and flexible application development, the use of KUBE-X is particularly recommended in cloud-based IaaS or PaaS environments.

Start-ups that require fast iterations and an agile development environment benefit from KUBE-X, as the platform enables rapid customisation and prototyping through low-code/no-code components.

Companies with strict security requirements

Financial institutions and healthcare providers that have stringent privacy and security requirements can benefit from KUBE-X’s robust security features, including automated penetration testing and continuous security updates.

Large enterprises modernising legacy systems

KUBE-X can be used to transition existing legacy systems to more modern, flexible and scalable architectures, reducing total cost of ownership and improving system efficiency. Take a look at our Slice & Dice process and find out how we modernise your business software step by step. Without BIG BANG.

Companies that pursue a multi-cloud strategy

KUBE-X facilitates the management of multi-cloud environments through its unified platform that enables seamless interactions between different cloud providers.

Integration of modern security practices

KUBE-X is designed from the ground up with a focus on security. The platform utilises zero-trust design principles and performs regular security audits to ensure that all applications and data are protected at all times. KUBE-X integrates compliance checks directly into the development pipelines to ensure that all code and development fulfils regulatory requirements before going into production.

Fast development through low-code/no-code approaches

With the CRUD Builder, KUBE-X enables developers to create application prototypes quickly and efficiently. Azure Logic Apps extend this capability by integrating pre-built workflows and automation features that allow non-developers to implement complex business processes. By reducing the need to write code from scratch, KUBE-X’s low-code/no-code capabilities significantly shorten development times, enabling faster feedback and iterations.

Why develop in the cloud?

Choosing to develop in the cloud offers your organisation three key benefits: scalability, cost efficiency and fostering innovation. In the cloud, companies can flexibly adapt their resources to respond to fluctuations in demand without wasting time and money on additional hardware investments.

Thanks to the pay-per-use model, you only pay for the resources you actually use, which leads to considerable savings and eliminates the need to invest in expensive hardware. In addition, the cloud enables access to the latest technologies without the need to update internal systems, which drives innovation and gives companies a competitive advantage. So we might as well rephrase the question: Why aren’t you developing in the cloud yet?