Platform as a service: PaaS

PaaS (an acronym for Platform as a Service) is a Cloud Computing service. It describes an arrangement whereby an external supplier provides an infrastructure, whether it be hard- or software, in order to allow a company to work on the development of an app or other software.

Thanks to this operation, it is possible to put together a basis for the development of any application without having to face the costs of purchase, installation and the subsequent optimisation of the development platform.

Advantages of the Platform as a Service system and the main scenarios for its use

The main advantage of PaaS is the reduction of costs. The implementation of software and hardware infrastructures normally requires considerable financial investment. In the case of the Platform as a Service arrangement, this cost is entirely met by the company providing the service. The reduction in costs is also linked to the opportunity to exploit new development capacity without the need to take on extra staff.

Another very important point is the chance to improve resource management. Considering that the software and hardware infrastructures are externally managed, companies choosing Platform as a Service can focus on crucial aspects of their core business. Furthermore, with this model, you can achieve greater flexibility and the capacity to create highly customised platforms in accordance with each company’s individual requirements.

Finally, it should also be noted that the PaaS model provides all the functionalities required to support the entire life cycle of web applications. It guarantees efficiency during the design, testing and distribution phases and also for management and updating.

As far as scenarios for use are concerned, it should be noted that companies often use Platform as a Service in a variety of situations, for example for development frameworks. Thanks to this combination, it is in fact possible to create applications by using integrated software components.

Another very efficient scenario is that of business intelligence and data analysis. Tools made available via the use of PaaS solutions allow businesses who use them to carry out procedures such as data mining, with positive results for the design of the various products and the profitability of company investments. It should also be pointed out that, by using Platform as a Service solutions it is possible to operate smoothly and effectively in areas such as the management of workflows, directories and security.

Examples of PaaS

When referring to PaaS, the first example that comes to mind is that of hosting. In that case, the supplier makes a web space available, characterised by the presence of functions such as a database and the operating system. There are also some more complex situations, first and foremost development environments which can be used by software houses.

Typologies

The PaaS arrangement can have several typologies, as follows:

• Development system add-ons: in this case, it is possible to modify pre-existing Platform as a Service applications.
• Stand-alone: situations in which a generalised development environment is made available.
• Development environments aimed at the design of applications within a secure environment.
• Open Platform as a Service: situations in which the developer can use any programming language and operate without restrictions regarding the database, operating system and server.

PaaS, IaaS and SaaS: the main differences

Together with PaaS, the IaaS and SaaS models are also widely-used in the world of Cloud Computing. IaaS stands for Infrastructure as a Service, which involves a supplier who makes available a hardware infrastructure. The Software as a Service arrangement on the other hand, involves the supply, subject to subscription and almost always via Cloud, of a ready to use program.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith