Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS)

Everything-as-a-Service is a term for services and applications that users can access on the Internet upon request.

The Everything-as-a-Service definition may seem unclear at first sight, but actually, it is not difficult to understand. It all started with the cloud computing terms: SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) and IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), meaning that ready-made software, [1] a platform for its development, or a comprehensive computing infrastructure could be provided via networks. Gradually, other offerings appeared and now, the designation as-a-Service is associated with various digital components, e.g. data, security, communication, etc.

Everything-as-a-Service Model

Now that we’ve covered the XaaS definition, it’s time to demonstrate some practical -aaS cases (apart from SaaS, PaaS and IaaS) [2] that are gaining popularity as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: The Everything-as-a-Service Market

1. Hardware as a Service (HaaS) – Managed Service Providers (MSP) provide and install some hardware on customer’s site on demand. Customer uses the hardware according to service level agreements. This model is very similar to IaaS as computing resources are present at MSP’s site are provides to users substituted for physical hardware.
2. Communication as a Service (CaaS) – This model comprises solution of different communication like IM, VoIP, video conferencing application which are hosted in provider’s cloud. Such method is cost-effective and reduces time expenses.
3. Desktop as a Service (DaaS) – DaaS provider mainly manages storing, security and backing up user data for the desktop apps. And a client can also work on PCs using third-party servers.
4. Security as a Service (SECaaS) – In this method provider integrates security services with company’s infrastructure through internet which includes anti-virus software, authentication, encryption etc.
5. Healthcare as a Service (HaaS) – The healthcare industry has opted the model HaaS service through electronic medical records (EMR). IOT and other technologies has enhanced medical services like online consultations, health monitoring 24/7, medical service at doorstep e.g. lab sample collection from home etc.
6. Transport as a Service (TaaS) – Nowadays, there are numerous apps which helps in mobility and transport in modern society. The model is both convenient and ecological friendly e.g. Uber taxi services is planning to test flying taxis ans self-driving planes in the future.

Benefits of XaaS

The market of services provided via cloud computing and the Internet is expanding at a rapid pace due to a range of advantages they provide both for organizations and end-users. [3] The biggest benefits are:

• Scalability (outsourcing provides access to unlimited computing capacities, storage space, RAM, etc; a company can quickly and seamlessly scale its processes up and down depending on requirements and doesn’t have to worry about additional deployments or downtimes)
• Cost- and time-effectiveness (a company doesn’t purchase its personal equipment and doesn’t need to deploy it, saving much time and money; a pay-as-you-go model is also beneficial)
• Focus on core competencies (there’s no need to set up apps and programs or conduct training for employees; [4] consequently, they can concentrate on their direct duties and achieve better performance)
• The high quality of services (since professionals support and maintain your infrastructure and systems, they provide the latest updates and all the emerging technologies, guaranteeing the quality of services)
• Better customer experience (the above-mentioned pros lead to customer satisfaction and increase customer loyalty)

The future market for XaaS

The combination of cloud computing and ubiquitous, high-bandwidth, [5] global internet access provides a fertile environment for XaaS growth.

Some organizations have been tentative to adopt XaaS because of security, compliance and business governance concerns. However, service providers increasingly address these concerns, allowing organizations to bring additional workloads into the cloud.

References:

1. https://www.sam-solutions.com/blog/everything-as-a-service-xaas-definition-and-examples/
2. https://www.netapp.com/knowledge-center/what-is-anything-as-a-service-xaas/
3. https://www.bmc.com/blogs/xaas-everything-as-a-service/
4. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/overview-of-everything-as-a-service-xaas/
5. https://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/XaaS-anything-as-a-service

Cite this article:

Vinotha D (2021), Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS), AnaTechmaz, pp 3