Overview
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a cloud computing model that provides a ready-to-use environment for developing, testing, and deploying applications. It includes infrastructure (servers, storage, networking) along with middleware, databases, and development tools, so developers can focus on writing code without worrying about managing hardware or operating systems.
What Problem Does It Solve?
Building applications traditionally requires setting up servers, configuring databases, and maintaining software platforms. This slows down development and adds operational overhead. PaaS solves this by providing pre-configured platforms where teams can quickly build and deploy applications, speeding up time to market and reducing complexity.
How It Works
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Pre-built environment: Cloud providers supply operating systems, databases, and runtime environments.
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Development tools: Integrated services like version control, testing, and CI/CD pipelines are often included.
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Scalability: Applications can scale automatically as demand grows.
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Managed services: Security, patching, and updates are handled by the provider.
Everyday Benefits
- Developers can focus on coding rather than infrastructure.
- Faster application development and deployment cycles.
- Built-in scalability and high availability.
- Lower operational costs compared to managing on-premise platforms.
Deployment Considerations
Popular PaaS offerings include Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App Service, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk. While PaaS simplifies development, it may create vendor lock-in and limit customisation. It is best suited for organisations building modern web apps, APIs, or microservices that benefit from speed and scalability.
