PaaS or platform as a service is a cloud computing model where a third party delivers the software and hardware tools the user needs over the internet. Most of the tools provided are needed for the development of the applications.
A platform as a service provider also hosts the software and hardware on its own infrastructure, which means users do not have to have their own in-house team to run new applications and software. However, it also isn’t meant to completely replace a user’s entire IT infrastructure for software development.
Using PaaS
PaaS has delivery through public, private, or hybrid clouds. In addition to this, other PaaS services may include information security, database security, development team collaboration, web service integration, and application design/development.
The Pros
Platform as a Service cloud is generally used for the convenience and simplicity it provides its users. Most of the infrastructure and IT services are supplied, and users can access their information from a web browser from anywhere and at any time. You can also eliminate some expenses because you don’t have to have traditional on-premises hardware.
The Cons
Infrastructure challenges may be a downside of PaaS because its performance depends on the company’s infrastructure. Additionally, the user is also largely dependent on the vendor’s infrastructure and software. However, the cloud offers easy accessibility, pay-per-use, reliability, and data control.
Some disadvantages of the cloud may include restricted or limited flexibility, ongoing costs, security, and vendor lock-in.
Three Service Models of Cloud Computing
Overall, there are three service models of cloud computing: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. IaaS refers to the cloud computing infrastructure like the servers and storage, all of which are managed by a cloud vendor. SaaS refers to the full applications being hosted in the cloud and also maintained by the vendor.
- SaaS applications often includes QuickBooks Online
- PaaS is middleware, scaling, and an operating system and includes applications like the Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure.
- IaaS is considered more of a raw compute resource
The goal of any PaaS provider is to create an environment that supports a more efficient and cost-effective process for both the creation and deployment of different high-quality applications for the business. These applications are also designed for use in both public or private cloud environments.
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The Value of PaaS
With PaaS, a business can leverage middleware services without having to contend with and manage all the different hardware and software elements required. In addition, a business can also access development and deployment tools and overcome the challenges that often come along with having to manage individual development and deployment tools.
Migration to the Cloud
Cloud migration is the process of moving your company’s digital assets. This includes data, workloads, IT resources, and applications. All of this is moved to a cloud infrastructure. During PaaS migration, you are moving from one software operating and deployment environment to another. For example, you are moving from an on-premises solution to the cloud.
Your Private Cloud Strategy
When you have a private cloud environment, you have an IT infrastructure that is being used exclusively by one business. So, this environment can be developed in-house, or it can be operated by a third-party vendor. However, when you choose a private network for your business, it can be customized and secured to meet your specific requirements.
More organizations are incorporating private PaaS into their cloud strategy for new and existing applications so they can develop microservices and possibly work toward moving to a hybrid cloud. Of course, when a business chooses PaaS, they often maintain the system with their own IT operations, but this isn’t necessarily required.
Moving from IaaS to PaaS Cloud
If you have IaaS, you may be wondering what the benefit of moving from IaaS to PaaS cloud may be. Well, if you are looking for reduced time to develop and market, you want a PaaS-based cloud hosting service that allows you to focus on building your application instead of having to worry about the server and operating system.
Additionally, the PaaS cloud allows you to expedite development workflows, allowing you to launch your software development much faster. You will find a much quicker turnaround from development to production.
You will also find that you don’t have to hire additional IT help and operation engineers because your cloud hosting provider allows you to reduce your IT staff to focus more on your business.
Maintenance-free service is another benefit because your PaaS cloud provider will be responsible for maintenance, upgrades, migrations, and security patch fixes.
Finally, with Platform as a Service cloud, you will have access to a scalable and elastic cloud, so you can more easily scale your operations virtually while maintaining control over how many cloud computing resources you actually want to use.
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