As a service explained, with a squeeze of lemon

What's "as-a-service"? Here’s a quick, Kiwi-flavoured guide.

The term "as-a-service" refers to services provided over the internet instead of in-house. That means moving from traditional, on-premise systems to cloud-based services. These services, unlike a big server room, can be accessed anywhere, from any device.

Today, all businesses want to respond to customer needs, reduce costs, enter new markets and react to competitive threats. But when you’re looking after your technology services on your own, it can be difficult - and costly - to upscale, upgrade or move. That’s where an "as-a-service" model comes in, enabling you to access the tech services you need via the cloud.

You can look at this model with an analogy of fish and chips.

The traditional on-premise technology system is like making fish and chips at home. You buy and prepare the ingredients:

• batter the fish
• fry the potatoes
• make the tartare sauce
• pick a lemon from your tree

You use your home’s own power, equipment and cutlery that you’ve bought from individual suppliers. You buy and control it all.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is like buying frozen fish and chips from the supermarket. You're still using your power, table and cutlery, but you can do less work. The supermarket maintains and supplies the ingredients. You can then just heat, pour, squeeze and eat.

Takeaways represent platform as a service (PaaS). The ingredient infrastructure and cooking platform are managed by the takeaway shop. You set the table and enjoy. You’ve got someone else to compliment – or complain to if the chips are soggy.

And finally, there’s software as a service (SaaS), which equates to eating out. Restaurant "experts" handle everything so you can concentrate on the food and the experience. Likewise, in an "as-a-service" model you can focus on your staff and customers.

Beyond the analogy

The as-a-service model is compelling because every area of your business benefits.

People can focus on more important things

Your teams will have the devices and technology they need when they need them, with automatic updates and support always at the ready. That means more time for strategic thinking plus better agility across the board to respond to customers, bring products to market, and adapt to change.

You’ll free up capital

As-a-service models are based on operational cost, not capital expenditure. This means you can budget predictable monthly costs and put capital expenses into more invigorating, business-building investments.

Enjoy the flexibility

Add and remove users as necessary to meet seasonal, cyclical and project needs. And trial services to see if the team likes them.

Here’s your guide to the different "servings" of technology procurement and management. This visualisation was inspired by a LinkedIn post. Read Pizza as a Service