Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a form of cloud computing where hardware and an application software platform is provided by another party. Primarily for developers and programmers, a PaaS allows the user to develop, run, and manage their own apps without having to build and maintain the infrastructure or platform usually associated with the process.
A PaaS provider hosts the hardware and software on its own infrastructure and delivers this platform to the user as an integrated solution, solution stack, or service through an internet connection.
For example, let’s say a developer has an idea for the next big thing—they’ve written code for an application that will make life easier and get stuff done. they’re excited about it, what it can do, and where it could go from here.
To avoid the added stress of installing on-premises hardware, maintaining servers, keeping infrastructure software updated, and having to set up a custom platform upon which to build their app, they turn to a PaaS provider who will host the platform and provide the environment they need to get their code running.
For developers and programmers who have ideas and write the code to make those ideas reality—but who don’t have or want the equipment and the hassle of maintaining that equipment in their own facilities—PaaS is a great option.
They can sync their code with a PaaS and run their app using the provider’s hardware and software—the maintenance and upkeep of which are handled for them. This clears the way for further development and innovation with less distraction, while also reducing the amount of infrastructural setup and coding. PaaS also allows for scalability and easy migration because it exists in a cloud.
But what PaaS solution is the correct one? Here are four things to keep in mind when deciding on a PaaS solution, courtesy of Red Hat:
- What features are included? Can your app work successfully with them? As your app grows and develops, adding more and more users, you want to make sure you can scale easily with your provider and have the options you need available.
- Is it optimized for the language and framework you’re using? If not, runtimes could be an issue.
- Will the provider be around as long as you need them? You want to make sure your provider has a history of trust and reliability with its customers so you know they’ll be there for you.
- How many users do you anticipate will be using your app? The more users and the more specific the code, the slower your application could run and the more difficult it will be to migrate from one service provider to another, should you need to.
