Platform as a service (PaaS)
Platform as a service (PaaS) is a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, with resources that allow organizations to have anything, from simple cloud-based applications to advanced, cloud-enabled enterprise apps. You purchase what you need on a pay-as-you-go basis and access them over a secure Internet connection.
Platform as a Service includes
INFRASTRUCTURE
PaaS providers manage the servers, storage, data centers and networking resources.
APPLICATION DESIGN, TESTING AND DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
PaaS provides customers with what they need to build and manage applications. These tools can be accessed over the internet through a browser, regardless of location.
MIDDLEWARE
PaaS often includes middleware, the software that connects operating systems and end-user applications. Customers need not commit their in-house developers and resources to developing middleware.
OPERATING SYSTEMS
OS for applications to run on, as well as for the developers to build the application from, are supplied by the PaaS provider.
DATABASES
PaaS vendors often maintain databases, as well as provide the client organization's developers with database management tools.
Advantages of PaaS
Platform as a Service provides additional features offering a variety of advantages
CUT CODING TIME
PaaS development tools can shorten the time it takes to code new applications with pre-coded application components built into the platform, such as workflow, directory services, security features, search, and more.
ADD DEVELOPMENT CAPABILITIES WITHOUT ADDING STAFF
Platform as a Service components can give your development team new capabilities without needing to add staff that possess the required skills.
DEVELOP FOR MULTIPLE PLATFORMS MORE EASILY
Some service vendors give you development options for multiple platforms, such as computers, mobile devices, and browsers making cross-platform apps development more efficient.
USE ADVANCED TOOLS AFFORDABLY
A pay-as-you-go model makes it possible for companies to use sophisticated development software, business intelligence, and analytics tools to purchase outright.
SUPPORT GEOGRAPHICALLY SPREAD-OUT DEVELOPMENT TEAMS
Because the development environment is accessed over the Internet, development teams can collaborate on projects even when team members are in remote locations.
EFFICIENTLY MANAGE THE APPLICATION LIFECYCLE
PaaS provides all the capabilities that you need to support the complete web application lifecycle: building, testing, deploying, managing, and updating within the same integrated environment.
