Software in the cloud is a phenomenon that most companies take for granted. The idea of “blank“ as a service or XaaS impacts nearly every business model. The old days of installing software on-premises have been replaced by faster and more mobile applications accessible from any digital device.
But XaaS models are now more than just software as a service (SaaS). They also encompass the service itself, whether security, infrastructures, platforms, digital storage, or anything else impacting IT. The idea that third-party vendors can use the cloud to help companies be more agile and cost-effective by tackling is one of the biggest digital disruptors of the past decade. These XaaS tools are responsible for much of the digital transformation we’ve seen — and we’re not done yet.
How are XaaS models changing business, and what benefits do they offer? What changes are in store up ahead?
The Evolution of IT as a Service Models
Whether we’re talking about software, infrastructure, a supplement to in-house IT, or the entire XaaS models have changed every part of the business. This transformation couldn’t have come at a better time; today, technology is the beating heart of virtually every business model. The idea that vendors can launch software and services as a pay-as-you-go concept in the cloud created a whole new line of start-ups that have changed many traditional business models.
Over the past decade, XaaS has evolved from basic SaaS to encompass many other critical business functions, including:
-
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Includes servers and other computer hardware hosted by an off-site vendor and accessed via the cloud.
-
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Includes companies design and deploy new applications in a digital sandbox.
-
Device as a Service (DaaS)
Includes devices that use cloud software, hardware, and IT teams to secure and control digital devices that access a corporate network.
-
Security as a Service (SECaaS)
Includes turning digital security into a subscription, housing Cybersecurity technologies, and IT expertise within cloud models.
These XaaS offerings are frequently managed by an external technology consulting team. Managed service providers (MSPs) offer crucial expertise at a time of serious IT talent shortage. MSPs have changed the entire structure of how we integrate, optimize, and manage IT.
Business Benefits of XaaS Models
If usage trends are an indicator, XaaS models have some clear business benefits. Some of the reported benefits of XaaS models include:
-
Improved Business Agility:
You’ll gain the ability to access software from anywhere, streamline IT operations, and cut costs.
-
Improved Collaboration:
The right XaaS model can help bridge the gap between remote business teams.
-
Always-on Scalability:
Increase or decrease services as needed without adding or decommissioning hardware.
-
Subscription Pricing:
Optimize cost with unexpected spikes in overhead for replacement hardware and software.
Clearly, different IT as a Service models aren’t going away. The concept and deployment of these tools have democratized old-school technology models to make them leaner, faster, and smarter. So, what’s next for ITaaS?
The Future of IT as a Service
Welcome to anything as a service (XaaS), the latest iteration of the ITaaS model. XaaS will continue to disrupt every industry, as third-party vendors emerge to handle in-house services in new, faster, and less-costly business models. Stay up to date for the following offerings:
-
Managed Security
SECaaS (security as a service) is one of the largest growing IT-related XaaS fields. Cyber threats are increasing and there simply isn’t enough talent to keep all the data safe. Having a partner to manage your Cybersecurity and provide that service can prevent unfavorable outcomes for your business.
-
Internet of Things (IoT)
MSPs are increasingly focusing on integrating and securing Internet of things (IoT) applications, which encompass hardware tools connected to the internet. With the IoT device market exploding, security vulnerabilities are an increasing threat.
-
Business Intelligence (BI)
Between BI and AI in the cloud, having the ability to integrate into every department, enhancing our ability to make business decisions on the fly is a must. You’ll want to ensure that your data and insights are protected and properly managed.
-
Managed Cloud Infrastructure
Having a partner to manage the network infrastructure of your cloud can help ease the tension and stress of integration, migration, and upkeep.
Today, investing in smart solutions to improve business means incorporating XaaS models into your business structures. Synoptek offers managed services to map, secure, and optimize your IT architectures.
Learn more about our managed services by scheduling a call today.
