Understanding Platform as a Service (PaaS)
One of the key components of the cloud computing stack, Platform as a Service (PaaS) in the simplest terms is a way of renting information technology platforms such as data storage devices, network capacity, hardware etc. over the World Wide Web. By making use of PaaS delivery model, business organizations, nonprofits and government agencies nowadays rent virtualized servers and several other related services.
How PaaS Came About to be Used
PaaS is essentially an outgrowth of Software as a Service (SaaS), another component of cloud computing.
In SaaS delivery model, one can avail the best of software on the Internet without having to shell out a fortune for one time purchase or licenses that involve recurring costs.
The same holds true for PaaS as well.
When Platform-as-a-Service Deployment Makes Sense
PaaS deployment is highly recommended in case you have multiple software developers working on a single project. It’s also preferred when multiple parties need to collaborate on an ongoing software development project.
For example, if a company has customer sales information at one place and a team of developers in a different city or country has to use the data for analysis or for some other purpose, PaaS is one of the best options currently available.
Key Benefits of PaaS Cloud Computing
- With standardized and consolidated resources, it is possible to save up to 50% in operations costs
- An organization can successfully adapt to agile development cycles without having to make significant arrangements in-house; PaaS compliments this development technique quite well
- Since all developers can work on a single platform, there are fewer complexities to deal with; these complexities ultimately add to the development cost
4 Important Criteria for Choosing a PaaS
- It’s a good idea to opt for one that’s open & non-proprietary (may not be possible in all cases or for all businesses); there should be no lock-ins
- Consider existing as well as (near) future requirements at the time of choosing a PaaS solution.
- You should be able to configure the solution
- The organization offering PaaS solutions should have proven track record in the IT industry
Cloud computing (PaaS, SaaS and IaaS) is here to transform the world and you can be a part of this ongoing transformation too. If you want to make use of cloud computing solutions, you need not be an expert yourself. You can always work with a third party IT support service provider; such a company will help you with configuration, setup and ongoing maintenance while you focus on your core business area on a daily basis without having to worry about the technicalities.
