Cloud Computing Acronyms Explained

Cloud computing acronyms all sound similar but can have completely different meanings. We’ve tried to alleviate confusion by explaining some of the most common cloud computing acronyms and compiled them into a list. You can also check out our For a full list of common terms, check out our Glossary page. 

SaaS (Software as a Service)

In this distribution model, licensed software applications and associated data are hosted in the cloud by vendors and service providers. Vendors make these available to client and users via a network – typically the Internet. SaaS can be an efficient delivery model for key business applications, such as customer relationship management.

PaaS (Platform as a Service)

Don’t want the hassle or the cost of buying and maintaining hardware and software? PaaS provides applications, supporting infrastructure and associated tools through a platform service provider. The provider makes available all of the platform assets to the customer and manages levels of scalability and maintenance. Unlike SaaS, which is delivered over the web, PaaS provides users with the set of tools and services to help make coding and deploying applications easy and efficient.

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)

This service model lets an organization outsource the responsibility of purchasing and/or maintaining the equipment and software, which comprise the underlying computing platforms typically used to support business operations. A service provider owns the equipment and is responsible for its operation, maintenance, housing and cooling.

MaaS (Monitoring as a Service)

These types of monitoring platforms provide customers with monitoring functionality for infrastructure and applications hosted in the cloud. They continuously track the states of applications, systems and supporting infrastructure, which can be cheaper and more effective than investing in and managing an in-house monitoring platform.

DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service)

A DRaaS solution provides continuous data protection from your primary environment to your target site. By replicating between different storage and server technologies, this service extends the life of legacy assets and maximizes your investments.