What is platform as a service (PaaS)?

As previously mentioned, different cloud-computing models are better suited for different use cases. PaaS is easy to run without detailed system administration knowledge, can be accessed by multiple users, and is extremely scalable. And, because it is built on virtualization technology, it eliminates the need for costly on-site hardware management. This makes it an ideal solution for fulfilling business need in several scenarios:

Probably the most widely recognized use case for PaaS is application development. PaaS provides a complete framework that developers can use to build cloud applications, either for internal or external users. PaaS is generally presented as a no-code or low-code development solution, where those with limited or no coding experience can assemble pre-built components to create effective software programs.

Going a step beyond application development, PaaS solutions also make it possible for organizations to automate complete business processes. By employing PaaS solutions to create effective digital workflows customized to the needs of the organization, businesses can automate approvals, notifications, and record operations, all without in-depth coding.

Working within a PaaS platform, organizations achieve a clearer, closer look at their data. They can identify trends, more accurately predict outcomes, and gain insights into important business decisions. Built-in analytics tools ensure that no essential data goes unanalyzed, bottlenecks are identified, and no opportunities for improvement are missed.

While the basic definition of PaaS remains consistent, there are two different kinds of PaaS to be aware of.

The more-common form, public PaaS provides services to paying clients. These services, solutions, and tools are accessible over the internet. Providing middleware and other resources, public PaaS allows businesses to build applications and processes without having to manage the requisite infrastructure.

While, at its heart, cloud computing relies on off-site, third-party vendors to supply the necessary infrastructure, enterprise PaaS takes an in-house approach. Using their own servers, networking, and middleware to deliver application tools and resources, businesses employing enterprise PaaS maintain stricter control over data security. However, they also absorb the costs and responsibilities of managing the entire IT infrastructure.

Whether rushing to meet customer expectations or trying to pivot internal business capabilities in response to an emergent situation, there is no downside to faster app deployment. By handling much of the legwork of software development, new applications and products can be created, tested, and deployed in a fraction of the time needed for traditional on-premises solutions and tools.

PaaS cloud vendors rely on their ability to help organizations create accessible applications. As such, most providers include tools for developing apps across every platform. Rather than having to build and train development teams for mobile, desktop, tablet, etc., businesses can create a single software solution that can then live and work on whatever platform the user prefers.

Despite the advantages PaaS offers, certain organizations may find that it is not the right choice to meet their needs. Consider the following potential disadvantages of PaaS:

Most cloud providers understand that their own continued success depends on their ability to protect their customers’ sensitive data. Still, the fact remains that when an organization relies on cloud vendors, they give up a certain amount of control over data security. Businesses with strict security standards may find that some cloud providers fail to meet requirements. That said, most cloud vendors employ stricter and more-effective security measures than the businesses they cater to.

Cloud services need to be able to function effectively with existing organizational infrastructure. Unfortunately, with the existence of legacy systems and the wide variety of IT infrastructure designs that a business may be built upon, easy cloud integration is not always possible. Making the necessary changes to facilitate infrastructure alignment may be prohibitively expensive.

Power outages, maintenance problems, hacks, or other emergent events can interrupt access to third-party providers. Businesses that depend on these vendors have little control over unexpected downtime but may suffer the consequences as essential tools become unavailable.