What is PaaS?
Platform-as-a-service, also commonly called PaaS, is a type of cloud computing. It is one level above reacher in functionality rather than the IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service). It provides a great opportunity for clients. They receive an entire platform for running and developing applications. Additionally, they don’t have to take any care of the developing conditions or the whole infrastructure.
It is common to apply PaaS when testing and developing an environment that already has all the needed elements. It also supplies perfect conditions for testers and developers to cooperate and do their assignments.
Let’s see how PaaS distributes the responsibility among the client and the cloud provider.
Cloud provider
- Networking – The PaaS provider is accountable for each connection, availability, and internet. They are required to handle network equipment and network issues.
- Servers – The provider supplies with the actual computers. The clients benefit from guaranteed resources and share the servers.
- Storage – The PaaS provider is responsible for the storage too, and it has to maintain it.
- Virtualization – This component, too, is covered by the cloud provider. It is going to maintain the resources (servers) in the direction they choose to offer plans with assured performance.
- Runtime – Here is the complete environment for development, including all the framework and the additional supported services you require to have installed before developing.
- OS – The cloud provider has to offer the operating system. Usually, there will be Windows for those who want to develop for it and several varieties of Linux, such as Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, and more.
- Middleware – The APIs, data management, drivers for devices, application services, and more are in this category.
Cloud client
- Applications – Customers are able to install and manage the software which they desire for developing applications. Of course, some limitations are coming from the runtime and OS, but there is a lot of freedom too.
- Data – The client is able to handle, save and process the information in a style it prefers.
Even though PaaS has different purposes, the most popular of them is still for developing and launching an app. Typically, PaaS is on a monthly subscription. However, it is also possible to pay it for a year, day, or depending on the resource you use.
PaaS Advantages
- Ease-of-use – You can use the complete platform, and it is set to start developing. You don’t have to bother about hardware or software difficulties.
- Cost-effective – With PaaS it is much easier to establish the final price of the application development rather than when you are working with your personal platform. Once you pick a plan, you are certain about the price.
- Scalability – A significant benefit for the cloud. Typically, you are able to just upgrade to a bigger plan or arrange a custom solution for your company’s demands.
PaaS Disadvantages
- Dependence – You can become very dependent on the cloud provider you pick. You can adapt to a specific development environment and tools. So, it will be difficult or maybe impossible to shift to a different provider.
- Runtime problems. A single PaaS provider may not support everything that you want. Always make sure to check!
