Platform as a Service (PaaS) : How and Where to Start From

Probably you have read two basic articles already published on this website about Platform as a Service (PaaS). First one is not specific for Platform as a Service, but explains the basics, the second one covers both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).

This is my second article on this website. The first was on Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and I am very glad that the readers have enjoyed it. Here is another contribution from my part, specifically it is for those executives and Administrators, who often fumbles like “Will I use Platform as a Service or not“.

Understanding what is the scope of Platform as a Service (PaaS)

This article on Platform as a Service (PaaS), as I have mentioned at the beginning needs a bit understanding of the levels of Cloud Computing. I hope the links to the old articles will help you to understand the levels, I am omitting that part in this article.

First thing is that, Platform as a Service has unimaginable potential, if properly explored can be used much more. It is important to understand that Platform as a Service does varies from provider to provider. This is important because if your application is based on Django or Ruby on Rails as a framework, and the Platform as a Service provider by default do not support that framework, it will be quite painful to deploy your application on that particular Platform as a Service (PaaS).

Apart from the pain, it must be noted that, even if you can run in a round about way, the “round about way”, itself can increase the latency. This happens either at Platform as a Service (PaaS) level or SaaS level. Licensing model might vary as well.

What to understand about Platform as a Service (PaaS) as an Administrator

Too much business fuss is going on with Platform as a Service (PaaS). Google does not market that much their own Platform as a Service, simply known as App Engine. If you have used App Engine and thinking that the paid Platform as a Service from XYZ will be exactly the same, you will be wrong. You will never understand how much you are wrong about chossing your right Platform as a Service provider unless you have understood after using XYZ’s service.

All company will claim that their Platform as a Service has this more than that company. But in reality, when you will face the problems, they will avoid or charge some extra bucks. That is why, before opting for Platform as a Service from XYZ brand, kindly consult with an expert.

This is very important about Platform as a Service which differentiates it from an traditional hosting service, where you can ask or read the reviews and come to a conclusion about a brand. Your requirements for Platform as a Service might vary from me.

This article on Platform as a Service is written by Prof. Thorsten Huber, PhD. To contact Prof. Huber, kindly drop a message through Contact Us form.