A third-party service provider is an external individual or company that supplies services or technologies under a contractual agreement. In the IT realm, these providers typically offer technologies that facilitate the storage, processing, and transmission of data, thereby boosting an organization's operational effectiveness.
Examples of Third-party Service Providers
Almost every organization employs at least one "as-a-service" technology solution, making these providers ubiquitous.
Software-as-a-service providers (SaaS)
Software-as-a-service is the most widely recognized form of third-party service because it is prevalent both in professional and personal settings. SaaS providers host applications on the internet that users can access via subscription, often described metaphorically as renting furniture — you select only what you need for as long as you need it.
Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
Platform-as-a-service providers offer a cloud environment where organizations can develop their applications without the burden of maintaining underlying systems like operating systems, updates, storage, or infrastructure. PaaS can be likened to renting a fully furnished house, providing everything necessary to focus solely on your projects.
Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)
Infrastructure-as-a-service and Platform-as-a-Service may overlap in services, but IaaS specifically offers the raw computing infrastructure, such as servers, storage solutions, and networking security, on a subscription basis. Extending the earlier analogy, IaaS is like renting a house without furniture, providing the basic structure but none of the utilities or furnishings.
Onshoring
Co-sourcing
