Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides an environment for building, testing, and deploying software applications. The goal of Platform as a Service (PaaS) is to help create an application as quickly as possible without having to worry about managing the underlying infrastructure. For example, when deploying a web application using Platform as a Service (PaaS), you don't have to install an operating system, web server, or even system updates. Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, with resources that enable organizations to deliver everything from simple cloud-based apps to sophisticated cloud-enabled enterprise applications.
Resources are purchased from a cloud service provider on a pay-as-you-go basis and accessed over a secure Internet connection.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) Characteristics
Upfront Costs - There are no upfront costs, and users pay only for what they consume.
User Ownership - The user is responsible for the development of their own applications. However, they are not responsible for managing the server or infrastructure. This allows the user to focus on the application or workload they want to run.
Cloud Provider Ownership - The cloud provider is responsible for operating system management, and network and service configuration. Cloud providers are typically responsible for everything apart from the application that a user wants to run. They provide a complete managed platform on which to run an application.
Disadvantages of Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform Limitations - There may be some limitations to a cloud platform that could affect how an application runs. Any limitations should be taken into consideration when considering which Platform as a Service (PaaS) platform is best suited for a workload.
Common usage of Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Development Framework - Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a framework that developers can build upon to develop or customize cloud-based applications. Similar to the way you create a Microsoft Excel macro, Platform as a Service (PaaS) lets developers create applications using built-in software components. Cloud features such as scalability, high-availability, and multi-tenant capability are included, reducing the amount of coding that developers must do.
Analytics or Business Intelligence - Tools provided as a service with Platform as a Service (PaaS) allow organizations to analyze and mine their data. They can find insights and patterns, and predict outcomes to improve business decisions such as forecasting, product design, and investment returns.