Azure VM Deployment: SaaS vs IaaS

AZ-900 By islever Editorial Last updated

Describe cloud service types

Short answer

B The solution does not meet the goal because Azure Virtual Machines are an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering, not a Software as a Service (SaaS) one.

Question

Note: The question is included in a number of questions that depicts the identical set-up. However, every question has a distinctive result. Establish if
the solution satisfies the requirements.
You are tasked with deploying Azure virtual machines for your company.
You need to make use of the appropriate cloud deployment solution.
Solution: You should make use of Software as a Service (SaaS).
Does the solution meet the goal?
  1. Yes
  2. No Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The question tests the distinction between cloud service models, specifically trapping candidates who confuse SaaS (managed applications) with IaaS (managed infrastructure like VMs).

This question clarifies that deploying Azure Virtual Machines requires Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), not Software as a Service (SaaS). It establishes the correct cloud deployment model for managing virtualized hardware.

Common mistake: Candidates often select 'Yes' because they associate 'cloud services' broadly with SaaS, failing to recognize that SaaS provides end-user applications rather than underlying compute resources like VMs.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

The solution does not meet the goal because Azure Virtual Machines are an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering. IaaS provides fundamental computing resources such as virtual machines, storage, and networks, allowing users to install and manage their own operating systems and applications. Since the requirement is to deploy VMs, selecting SaaS is incorrect.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A ('Yes') is incorrect because SaaS delivers fully managed software applications over the internet (e.g., Microsoft 365, Salesforce). In a SaaS model, the provider manages the infrastructure, platform, and application, leaving the user with no control over the underlying OS or ability to deploy raw virtual machines. Therefore, SaaS cannot be used to deploy VMs.

Community Comment Notes

Community consensus strongly supports Option B. Users consistently note that "VM is IAAS, not PAAS" and emphasize that SaaS is for apps while IaaS is for VMs. One commenter summarized it well: "just remember: SaaS = Apps... IaaS = VMs, storage, networks." Another clarified that SaaS provides a "fully managed software application," whereas VMs require the control offered by IaaS.

Exam Strategy

Always map specific Azure services to their corresponding cloud service models. Remember: Virtual Machines, Disks, and VNETs are IaaS; App Services and SQL Databases are PaaS; and Office 365 or Dynamics 365 are SaaS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I use SaaS to deploy a Virtual Machine?

SaaS provides finished applications (like Outlook) where you have no access to the underlying infrastructure. You cannot install an OS or configure a VM in a SaaS environment.

What is the difference between IaaS and SaaS for Azure VMs?

IaaS gives you control over the VM's OS and configuration (Infrastructure as a Service). SaaS is a pre-built app hosted by Microsoft where you just log in (Software as a Service).

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Discussion 42 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 30 of 42

  1. Kunj7 👍 4
    Virtual Machines are an example of IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service). As when you launch a Virtual machine you only configure and manage the hardware for your machine.
  2. BinuRaj 👍 4
    Answer correct. Saas wont provide Virtual machines.. Instead it is Iaas provide azure virtual machines.
  3. simpleace 👍 4 Answered B
    IAAS would cover virtual machines
  4. AlekksMaciel 👍 4 Answered B
    VM is IAAS, not PAAS
  5. BeauChateau 👍 3 Answered B
    Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud deployment model that provides access to software applications hosted by a third-party provider over the internet. While SaaS solutions can provide benefits such as cost savings, scalability, and flexibility, they are not appropriate for deploying virtual machines. For deploying virtual machines, the appropriate cloud deployment solution is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). IaaS provides access to virtualized computing resources such as virtual machines, storage, and networking over the internet. With IaaS, companies can deploy virtual machines in the cloud, which can help them reduce hardware costs, increase flexibility, and improve scalability. Therefore, the solution of using Software as a Service (SaaS) does not meet the goal of deploying Azure virtual machines for the company. Instead, the appropriate cloud deployment solution is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Show 25 more comments
  1. Meesquared 👍 3 Answered B
    SaaS (Software as a Service) → Provides a fully managed software application (like Microsoft 365, Salesforce). Deploying Virtual Machines requires IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), where you manage the OS and applications. So, SaaS is not correct because it does not give you control over the VM OS.
  2. Soumyat85 👍 2
    B. No The solution does not meet the goal. Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where software applications are delivered over the internet. It typically refers to using web-based applications provided by a third-party vendor. However, in this scenario, the goal is to deploy Azure virtual machines, which is an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering. With IaaS, you can deploy and manage virtual machines in the cloud, giving you more control over the infrastructure layer. Therefore, the appropriate cloud deployment solution in this case would be Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), not Software as a Service (SaaS).
  3. sz91gabi 👍 2
    SaaS includes everything that IaaS does, as SaaS is the largest package. So why wouldn't SaaS be good? The question didn't specify cost efficiency, so SaaS should also be suitable. The image below shows that SaaS is the largest package that encompasses everything: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-iaas/
  4. Power123 👍 2 Answered B
    Deploying Virtual Machines is a core function of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). IaaS allows you to manage the underlying infrastructure, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking.
  5. sweetheartheart 👍 2 Answered B
    just remember: SaaS = Apps (e.g., Outlook, Teams). IaaS = VMs, storage, networks (you manage the OS/software). PaaS = Middle ground (e.g., Azure App Service, SQL DB).
  6. Kanders 👍 2
    B. No - because VMs are deployed in IaaS.
  7. devarashettyr 👍 2 Answered B
    IaaS is VM's
  8. Aagoo 👍 2 Answered B
    VM is IaaS
  9. Du_MS900 👍 1
    B. Não A recomendação de usar Software como Serviço (SaaS) para implantar máquinas virtuais no Azure não é apropriada. O SaaS é um modelo de serviço em nuvem que fornece software hospedado na nuvem e acessado por meio de um navegador da web. Isso geralmente se refere a aplicativos de software, como serviços de e-mail baseados em nuvem, sistemas de gerenciamento de relacionamento com o cliente (CRM) e assim por diante. Para implantar máquinas virtuais no Azure, você deve usar a infraestrutura como serviço (IaaS) ou plataforma como serviço (PaaS), dependendo de suas necessidades específicas. O Azure oferece serviços como o Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) que fazem parte da categoria IaaS e permitem que você crie e gerencie máquinas virtuais na nuvem. Portanto, a solução apropriada para implantar máquinas virtuais no Azure seria usar a infraestrutura como serviço (IaaS), não o Software como Serviço (SaaS).
  10. AntonioTech 👍 1
    The answer is B. No Deploying Azure virtual machines requires more control over the infrastructure and configuration than what is typically offered by Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS provides ready-to-use software applications hosted by a third-party provider, while deploying virtual machines falls under the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) category. Therefore, the solution of using Software as a Service (SaaS) does not meet the goal for deploying Azure virtual machines.
  11. kahla 👍 1 Answered A
    The company currently has a Basic support plan (which only includes billing & subscription support). They want an assessment of their Azure environment’s design from Microsoft, which means technical architectural guidance. The goal is to enable this while keeping expenses to a minimum. The proposed solution is to move to a Professional Direct (ProDirect) support plan.
  12. Aalkinani 👍 1 Answered B
    Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing model where third-party providers host applications and make them available to customers over the internet. However, deploying Azure virtual machines typically falls under the category of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS), not SaaS. The correct answer is: B. No
  13. Barach Aduot 👍 1 Answered B
    The solution does not meet the goal because Azure virtual machines are an example of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), not Software as a Service (SaaS). IaaS allows a company to deploy and manage virtual machines, operating systems, storage, and networking in Azure. SaaS provides ready-to-use software applications over the internet.
  14. apurba_nag 👍 1 Answered B
    B. No The solution provided, using Software as a Service (SaaS), does not meet the goal for deploying and managing Azure virtual machines. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) would be the correct cloud deployment solution for this scenario.
  15. Barach Aduot 👍 1 Answered B
    Azure virtual machines use Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), not Software as a Service (SaaS). IaaS lets you deploy and manage virtual machines, operating systems, and applications in Azure.
  16. Dee975 👍 1
    The question is cloud deployment model, why the answer is cloud service model?.. cloud deployment model: public, private and hybrid where else service model: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS. The answer is B.
  17. subhala 👍 1
    I believe the intent is - "deploying Azure virtual machines" using SaaS. we can deploy using IaC, Portal, API etc.. are those considered SaaS? Azure Portal possibly will fall under SaaS.
  18. rdj_jk 👍 1 Answered B
    Ans: B. No. Text to refer under IaaS : "Azure virtual machines are fully operational virtual compute devices running in Microsoft datacenters."
  19. shaolin_monk 👍 1
    B. Azure Virtual Machines are one of the on-demand computing resources that come under Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) category in Azure.
  20. glazdub 👍 1 Answered B
    Answer is B, IaaS is the correct answer which includes storage, computer and memory resources which are part of a Virtual machine
  21. Mahanad 👍 1 Answered B
    To deploy and manage Azure virtual machines, you should use Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), not Software as a Service (SaaS).
  22. 3lVhylla 👍 1 Answered B
    No: cause Professional Direct cost 1000$ monthly and Standard 100$, in the question is asking about to "keep the cost minimal"
  23. Kaushik_Ch20 👍 1 Answered B
    virtual machine is never a Saas so it cannot be deployed in SaaS.
  24. mr__nobody 👍 1
    where can i get that iaas ,paas,saas support resource list?
  25. DiligentSam 👍 1
    The virtrual machine is an IAAS So opintion B is correct。

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