AWS Cloud Practitioner: IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS Explained | The 3 Cloud Computing Models (2026)

What's the real difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS — and why does this distinction matter so much for the AWS Cloud Practitioner exam? In this beginner-friendly guide we break down all three core cloud computing models, exactly who manages what at each layer, and real AWS examples like EC2, Lambda, Elastic Beanstalk, and Microsoft 365. You'll learn why IaaS gives you the most control but also the most responsibility, how PaaS lets you focus purely on code while the platform handles infrastructure, and why SaaS hands you a fully ready-to-use application with almost nothing to manage on your end. Whether you're studying for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam or just want to finally understand these three terms clearly — this video gives you the foundation everything else builds on. ⏱️ What you'll learn: 00:00 Introduction 00:21 What is IaaS? 00:55 IaaS Responsibility Split 01:21 What is PaaS? 01:49 How PaaS Works in Practice 02:14 PaaS Flexibility and AWS Services 02:55 What is SaaS? 03:24 SaaS Still Requires Some Configuration 04:07 Bringing It Together — Responsibility Comparison 04:46 The Sliding Scale of Control 05:09 Exam Reminder 05:35 Bringing it all together 👉 If this helped, LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for clear, practical AWS Cloud Practitioner exam content. 📌 Next video: Understanding Cloud Deployment Models — Public, Private, and Hybrid Cloud Explained. #AWSCloudPractitioner #IaaS #PaaS #SaaS #CloudComputingModels #AWS #AWSCertification #EC2 #Lambda #AWSExamPrep #BeginnerAWS #CloudPractitioner2026 #StudyWithMe #ITCertification #AWSBasics