What is Platform as a service

Platform as a service(PaaS)

Platform as a service (PaaS), also known as application platform as a service (aPaaS) is a cloud computing model which takes the help of a third party provider to deliver the hardware and software tools.  PaaS is a complete cloud-based deployment and development environment, with resources that allow the users to deliver anything from simple cloud-based applications to sophisticated, cloud-enabled enterprise applications. PaaS offers a platform for users to develop, run and manage applications without the complication of building and maintaining the infrastructure connected to development and launching an app. This allows the users to reduce the expense of buying and managing software licenses, development tools, application infrastructure and other resources.

The major advantage of implementing PaaS is that the PaaS development tool can reduce the time taken to code new applications with the help of the pre-coded application components integrated into the platform such as directory services, workflow, search, security features and so on. A few service providers enable development options for multiple platforms which include mobile devices, computers, and browsers making cross-platform apps easier and quicker to develop. The pay-as-you-go facility provided by PaaS enables users to make use of sophisticated development software and analytic tools and business intelligence they would not be affordable to them. Moreover, since the development environment is accessed over the internet, team members from a different geographical location can access and work together on projects successfully.  PaaS also offers numerous features that are required to support the web application lifecycle.

PaaS or Platform as a service is an application platform. It is also known as platform-based service. It is a category of cloud computing services. This basically provides a platform and allows customers to develop, run, and manage different applications according to their convenience and without any complexity. It helps the customers to maintain, manage and launch their application without any complications. PaaS can be delivered in two different ways, one as a public cloud service from a provider and the other is where the provider provides the networks, servers, storage, operating system (OS) and middleware.

PaaS Classification

There are different advantages of PaaS. The primary advantage is that with the dramatically reduced complexity it allows for higher-level programming. This helps customers develop a more effective application. It has built-in infrastructure and maintenance and enhancement of the application becomes easier too.  PaaS can be also useful in situations where multiple developers come under one roof and work on a single project.  These developers can be located in different locations too and carry out their work with the help of the common platform. But there is one disadvantage of PaaS. 

The developers are deployed of the facility to use a full range of conventional tools like relational databases. Another disadvantage is that the service is locked into a certain platform unlike some which are lock-in free.  Various types of PaaS providers are available today. Application hosting and deployment environment are offered by all the providers. Various integrated services are also offered.  These different services offer varying levels of scalability and maintenance. Many developers can write an application and upload it to a PaaS. This PaaS supports their software language of choice, and the application runs on that PaaS which can thereby be used by different users at the same time.