What is Platform as-a-service (PaaS)?

Introduction

 

Cloud computing is the conveyance of various administrations through the Web. These assets incorporate apparatuses and applications like information stockpiling, workers, data sets, systems administration, and programming. 

 

Maybe than keeping records on a restrictive hard drive or nearby stockpiling gadget, cloud-based capacity makes it conceivable to save them to a distant data set. Up to an electronic gadget approaches the web, it approaches the information and the product projects to run it. 

 

Cloud computing is a famous choice for individuals and organizations for various reasons including cost investment funds, expanded usefulness, speed and proficiency, execution, and security.

 

Cloud computing offers services to users that are cloud-based. There are three types of cloud services-

• IaaS- Information-as-a-service.

• PaaS- Platform-as-a-service

• SaaS- Software-as-a-service

 

Along with this blog, we will discuss PaaS only.

 

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

 

PaaS is a cloud computing service that uses virtualization to provide developers and organizations with an application development platform. Computing, memory, storage, database, and other app development services are all included in one platform. PaaS platforms may be used to create applications for internal use or to sell.

 

PaaS technology combines a virtual infrastructure, such as data centers, servers, storage, and network equipment, with an intermediate layer of software, such as app development tools. Naturally, a user interface is included in the kit to ensure usability.

 

You can avoid the cost and hassle of purchasing and maintaining software licenses, the underlying application infrastructure and middleware, container orchestrators such as Kubernetes, and other resources by using PaaS. You are in charge of the software and services you create, and the cloud service provider is in charge of the rest.

 

Platform as a service can be used and implemented in all three types of cloud computing in the following way:

 

• Private cloud: The development framework is based on technology that has been set aside for the exclusive use of a single entity with multiple users. The infrastructure can be owned, maintained, and controlled by the company, a third party, or a combination of the two, and it can be located on or off-site.

• Public cloud: The software framework is based on technology that has been made available for many organizations to use (also known as a multi-tenant model). A corporation, academic, or government institution, or a combination of the three, can own, manage, and operate the infrastructure. It is located on the cloud provider's premises.

• Hybrid cloud: Both public and private clouds are used to construct the development platform. Both cloud models are distinct, but they are linked by standardized or proprietary technology that allows data and application portability. PaaS solutions seldom use hybrid clouds.

 

(Recommended blog: Types of virtualization in Cloud Computing)

 

Need for PaaS

 

Programmers while building an application or software, don't want to waste time on creating a platform. They just don't want to increase their workload. It usually is better when they get a ready-made platform that provides everything that they need. This is where the need for PaaS came into existence.

 

Using a framework reduces the cost and difficulty of buying, configuring, and handling the hardware and software required for custom applications.

 

Simply put, a PaaS saves time and resources for development teams, enabling companies to focus on creating apps and services that provide real value to consumers.

 

 

Services or Tools provided by PaaS

 

1. Programming languages: PaaS providers provide the user with different programming languages. The developers are provided with a wide range of programming languages in PaaS to develop their applications. Some languages provided by the PaaS providers are java, ruby, Perl, and GO.

 

2. Application Frameworks: Application frameworks are provided by PaaS providers to make application creation easier to understand. Node.js, Drupal, Joomla, WordPress, Spring, Play, Rack, and Zend are some of the most common application frameworks offered by PaaS providers.

 

3. Databases: PaaS providers provide the developers with databases to store their data. The databases provided by PaaS providers are ClearDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Redis to communicate with the applications.

 

In addition to these services, PaaS providers also provide the users with various other tools in order to make the work easier. Now that we know what services this PaaS provides, we have a question in our mind, I.e. “how are these services delivered, in what ways is PaaS delivered to the user?”

 

How is PaaS delivered to users?

 

• The provider offers various functions such as networks, servers, storage, operating system, database, and many other facilities to house the customer's application. The consumer is responsible for software implementation, with the vendor handling the majority of the configurations.

• As a personal service application that will run behind a firewall.

• As applications on a public IaaS(Information as a Service) platform.

 

 

What are the Advantages of PaaS?

 

• Time-saving: 

 

PaaS allows developers to create apps faster than they could if they had to build, configure, and provision their own frameworks and backend infrastructure. Developers can get immediate access to a full software development environment, including sample code and pre-built components, with PaaS.

 

• Minimal development: 

 

By providing prebuilt backend infrastructure and other resources, PaaS services allow rapid prototyping and growth.A platform gives you access to tools, templates, and code libraries that speed up and simplify the development process.

 

• Cost-effective: 

 

A platform removes the need to create the software from the ground up, lowering the costs of production. PaaS services are a viable choice for businesses looking to lower their current operating costs, create their first app, or have limited capital.

 

Other than these benefits, some advantages are also mentioned below

 

• Future proof: Access to cutting-edge data centers, hardware, and operating systems ensures that the business is prepared for the future.

• Increased security: PaaS providers put a lot of money into security technologies and skills.

• In a dynamic way Scale: Increase capacity quickly during peak times and reduce capacity as required.

• Custom Apps: Developers have access to operational resources that enable them to build custom software.

 

(Also read: Top trends in Software Developments) 

 

 

Disadvantages of PaaS

 

Platform as a service, however beneficial, has its own challenges like everything else. The challenges faced by PaaS are-

 

• Vendor Dependency: Extremely reliant on the capabilities of the vendor.

• Lock-in risk: Customers can become locked-into a language, interface, or program that they no longer need.

• Compatibility: When PaaS is used in combination with existing development platforms, complications can arise.

• Risks of Security: While PaaS providers protect the infrastructure and platform, companies are responsible for the app's security and therefore there is not a strong guarantee about the security of the user data.

• Integration with rising system applications: It's possible that some programs are local and others are cloud-based. As a result, there is a risk of increased complexity if we try to combine data from the cloud with local data. 

 

(Must read: Cloud computing guide)

 

 

Conclusion 

 

Cloud computing is that evolving part of the internet, about which future we can’t deny. The same is the case with its services. PaaS shows the possibility of the future. Today we can see AI combined with the cloud to give us AIPaaS which are provided to create artificial intelligence applications.

 

PaaS is the savior of small business owners and startup owners who can’t spend much to create a new personalized platform.

 

(Related read: What is SaaS?) 

 

With PaaS, one can devote their time and resources to their core business instead of worrying about monitoring, maintaining, and upgrading a development platform. To conclude in one line, “ “the future is exciting, and PaaS is a proof of that.’