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ISB Vietnam's skilled software engineers deliver high-quality applications, leveraging their extensive experience in developing financial tools, business management systems, medical technology, and mobile/web platforms.
As companies move toward cloud-based solutions, one question comes up again and again: Should we use SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, or stay On-Premises?
The answer depends on your team, your budget, your security needs, and how fast you need to deliver. Let’s break down each model in simple terms.
1. SaaS (Software as a Service)
You use a ready-made product hosted by someone else.
You do not install servers, manage infrastructure, or worry about upgrades.
You simply subscribe and use the app.
Examples: Gmail, Zoom, Slack, Salesforce
Pros
- No IT setup required
- Works immediately
- Automatic updates and maintenance
- Lower upfront costs
Cons
- Limited customization
- Vendor lock-in
- Cost increases with number of users
Use SaaS when:
You need a solution that “just works” and don’t want to manage infrastructure.
2. PaaS (Platform as a Service)
You build your application, and the platform handles the environment.
PaaS gives you everything you need to develop: runtime, frameworks, databases, deployment tools, scaling, CI/CD.
You focus on coding.
The platform takes care of servers and OS.
Examples: Heroku, Google App Engine, Azure App Service
Pros
- No IT setup required
- No server or OS management
- Strong automation and CI/CD support
- Great for prototypes and MVPs
Cons
- Limited control over underlying infrastructure
- Can be expensive as the system grows
- Locked to the platform ecosystem
Use PaaS when:
You want to deliver features quickly and don’t want to spend time on DevOps or server management.
3. IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
You rent cloud infrastructure—servers, storage, networking—and configure everything yourself.
Think of it as a virtual data center.
You choose CPU, memory, connectivity, OS, and deploy however you like.
Examples: AWS EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine
Pros
- High flexibility
- Supports any tech stack
- Scales instantly
- You control OS and application layer
Cons
- Requires DevOps/cloud skills
- Configuration takes time
- Mismanagement can burn money fast
Use SaaS when:
You want control similar to On-Prem but don’t want to buy physical hardware.
Which one should you choose?
There is no universal “best” option. There is only what fits your needs.- SaaS: choose when you want convenience and minimal technical work.
- PaaS: choose when you’re building an app and want to move fast.
- IaaS: choose when you need flexibility and control.
Whether you need scalable software solutions, expert IT outsourcing, or a long-term development partner, ISB Vietnam is here to deliver. Let’s build something great together—reach out to us today. Or click here to explore more ISB Vietnam's case studies.
