What is PaaS and SaaS ?
PaaS stands for Platform as a Service.
- It is a cloud computing model where: a service provider offers a platform for developing, running, and managing applications. PaaS provides a pre-configured environment with resources such as operating systems, development tools, and databases.
- Usually more configurable, but more time-consuming to setup.
SaaS stands for Software as a Service.
- It is a cloud computing model where: a service provider hosts software applications and makes them available to users over the internet. Users can access and use these applications through web browsers without the need for installation or maintenance on their local devices.
- Usually less configurable, but much easier to setup.
GovCMS PaaS vs SaaS
GovCMS Software as a Service (SaaS) customers get high quality security protection and compliance. Our services include website protection and ongoing website security assessments including IRAP. We also provide security patching, support and 24/7 monitoring. You are responsible for staff user accounts and content.
GovCMS Platform as a Service (PaaS) customers have greater responsibilities. PaaS websites don’t receive the same level of protection as provided to SaaS customers. PaaS customers need to ensure their website is secure. You’ll need to do your own security updates and patching as well as installation of module updates. Web protection services are an optional extra. Customers with PaaS websites are responsible for the Drupal application layer, user accounts, and content. Be mindful of your responsibility for others working with you such as external service providers and developers. Custom development can expose you to vulnerabilities.
| Security features | Software as a Service (SaaS) | Platform as a Service (PaaS) |
|---|---|---|
| Security accredited (IRAP assessed) | Everything is covered. You don’t need to undertake your own assessment.You still need to consider undertaking a risk assessment. | Infrastructure layer only is covered. You are responsible for the Drupal application layer.You need to do your own IRAP at your own cost. |
| Security updates | All patching including security updates is managed by us. | You’re responsible for all patching including security updates or you can pay a service provider. |
| Web protection service****CDN, WAF and DDOS | Part of the service - no extra cost. | Web protection is an additional cost. |
| CMS Maintenance | We do it for you.Updates to the CMS are rolled out to all SaaS customers. | You can access the GovCMS Distribution for updates but need to deploy the changes to your own websites or you can pay a service provider. |
GovCMS - PaaS hosting
GovCMS Platform as a Service (PaaS) hosting is a by government, for government website hosting solution.
The PaaS hosting solution includes security and management of the platform. While being more flexible with greater allowable Drupal modules, customers with PaaS hosting are responsible for regular security patching, software updates and Drupal application maintenance. Application and infrastructure maintenance is provided, but more limited than SaaS. Regular backups of your site are also included.
Web Protection Services can be included as part of the SaaS pricing a Web Application Firewall, Content Delivery Network, Distributed Denial of Service protection and Bot Manager. PaaS customers can choose their own solutions rather than the GovCMS Web Protection Services listed above where desired.
GovCMS also provides training courses, training material and videos online. GovCMS has an active community for connecting with other agencies working on GovCMS and developers working around the GovCMS ecosystem.
There are more than 350 government websites hosted on the GovCMS platform, you can find many of the sites through the GovCMS Gallery. For PaaS pricing it is customised to your needs, contact GovCMS.
Those considering GovCMS can use the Am I eligible to use GovCMS? tool to confirm their eligibility.
More information can be found on the GovCMS website.
Alternatively, contact GovCMS via their contact form.
GovCMS - SaaS hosting
GovCMS Software as a Service (SaaS) hosting is a by government, for government website hosting solution.
The SaaS hosting solution includes security and management of the platform. This includes regular security patching and software updates, application and infrastructure maintenance as well as regular backups of your site. Web Protection Services includes a Web Application Firewall, Content Delivery Network, Distributed Denial of Service protection and Bot Management. These are all included in the SaaS pricing.
GovCMS also provides training courses and training material. GovCMS has an active community for connecting with other agencies working on GovCMS and developers working around the GovCMS ecosystem.
There are more than 350 government websites hosted on the GovCMS platform, you can find many of the sites through the GovCMS Gallery. SaaS pricing is available on the GovCMS website.
Those considering GovCMS can use the Am I eligible to use GovCMS? tool to confirm their eligibility.
More information can be found on the GovCMS website.
Alternatively, contact GovCMS via their contact form.