5 Major Benefits of Platform as a Service (PaaS)

OCTOBER 01, 2019 07:36 AM

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Many companies are transferring their hardware and software to the Internet. This has all been possible due to the Cloud. The various Cloud services like SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS have streamlined how businesses conduct their work processes.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) is an efficient cloud computing delivery model that can provide application development resources without worrying about computing resources. Traditionally, organizations must procure servers, then development teams use those servers for development and testing. However, with the availability of PaaS, developers need not worry about procuring server hardware; instead, developers can launch PaaS resources and develop their custom code, test, and package for production migration. Organizations need to pay only for using PaaS services; after usage, these services can be terminated to stop billing. With the help of PaaS, software's operating system, security systems, and firewall management are very efficient. The following are some of the advantages of the Platform as a Service model:

1. Reduction in operating cost

PaaS eliminates the need to invest in expensive hardware and development tools. All resources, such as a basic server, OS, and development tools, are available as a package that can be launched. The developer can develop their code without worrying about procuring servers, development tools, etc. There is no need to add hardware or independent tools, perform low-level work, or pay any expenses for unseen downtime. PaaS helps development teams control their overhead expenses. The cost of prototyping is significantly reduced.

2. Effective scalability

The scalability of resources on demand is one of the most significant advantages of cloud computing. For a business, it is essential to keep up with the growing demands of its customers. However, to cater to growing demands, companies need to scale up their computing resources. Traditionally, it has been very challenging to upgrade computing resources quickly. The IT department needs to get approval to procure additional servers. The CFO needs to budget for further purchases. Cloud computing is the best solution for this genuine business problem. Cloud computing allows businesses to scale up computing resources whenever there is peak demand ter, mine resources when not required, and reduce billing for cloud resources. PaaS cloud offering enables users to focus on development, prototyping, and designing new products by launching pre-configured environments where users do not have to worry about computing resources.

3. Platform Maintenance

Suppose an application is deployed on an on-premise server. In that case, there is always a need to update, patch the operating system, install security updates, etc., which are not directly linked to the application. Specialist teams need to be deployed to maintain platforms. With so many external dependencies, it becomes very challenging to upgrade technology frequently. The major drawback is that you will not be able to get on with the current improvements and new features, and you might end up on an outdated stack or face security issues. PaaS cloud offering enables automated security patches and updates. This ensures the application works on the latest update and patch and has no security vulnerabilities. PaaS eliminates the need to maintain a specialist team to maintain environments regularly. Thus, there is tremendous cost savings.

4. Flexibility

Platform as a Service is one of the most sought-after cloud computing services, not only for large to medium-scale companies but also for freelance creative developers who need computing resources to prototype their ideas quickly and develop solutions. PaaS offers many readily available tools, which saves a significant amount of time. It also helps developers conceptualize, design, and build their software applications without dependency.

5. Ready for the future

PaaS helps companies prepare for the future with capabilities, new features, and bug fixes that are automatically instantiated in the Cloud. This allows the focus to be on the important aspects of business rather than IT work.

FAQs

What is Platform as a Service (PaaS), and how does it differ from traditional IT infrastructure management?
PaaS is a cloud computing model that provides developers with the necessary tools and resources to build, test, and deploy applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. Unlike traditional methods, where organizations must procure, configure, and maintain their own servers and development tools, PaaS provides these as a service. Developers can focus solely on writing code and deploying applications. PaaS handles the complexity of server procurement, operating system updates, security patching, and firewall management. This allows organizations to accelerate development cycles and reduce overhead.
How does PaaS help in reducing operating costs for businesses?
PaaS helps in reducing operating costs through several mechanisms. Firstly, it eliminates the need for upfront investments in expensive server hardware and development tools. These resources are provided on a pay-as-you-go basis. Secondly, PaaS removes the need to deploy specialist teams for platform maintenance. It also reduces expenses associated with downtime since the provider manages patches and updates. The cost of prototyping has also decreased significantly since all the tools needed to start development are readily available.
How does PaaS facilitate scalability, and why is this beneficial for businesses?
PaaS offers on-demand scalability, allowing businesses to adjust their computing resources based on their current needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial during periods of high demand when a company can increase resources to cater to customer needs. Traditional IT infrastructure requires lengthy procurement and budgeting processes for scaling. PaaS cloud offering enables users to focus on development, prototyping, and designing new products by launching pre-configured environments where users do not have to worry about computing resources.
What are the advantages of using PaaS regarding platform maintenance and security?
PaaS automates many platform maintenance tasks, including operating system updates, patches, and vulnerabilities. This reduces the need for dedicated maintenance teams and helps keep software and applications up to date with the latest advancements. By automating these processes, businesses can avoid the challenges of maintaining older tech stacks, ensuring they don't fall behind on current best practices or risk security vulnerabilities.
How does PaaS enhance the flexibility of the development process?
PaaS enhances flexibility by providing readily available tools and resources that save development time. It enables developers to conceptualize, design, and develop applications without dependencies on specific hardware or software, as all the needed tools are available within the PaaS environment. This is especially useful for large companies and independent developers who need to quickly prototype and develop solutions.
In what ways does PaaS help businesses prepare for the future?
PaaS helps businesses prepare for the future by ensuring they always have the latest capabilities, new features, and bug fixes through automatic updates in the Cloud. This allows them to focus more on important business aspects rather than IT-related work and ensures they are equipped with the latest technological advancements as they are implemented by the PaaS provider.

About SMACT Works

SMACT Works is a technology-focused systems integrator and IT/ERP consulting firm. We deliver end-to-end consulting, managed, and implementation services for Oracle Cloud Applications, IaaS & PaaS, On-Premise PeopleSoft & EBS Applications. Headquartered in Dublin, OH, we have a global presence with North America and Asia offices. We are an Oracle Gold Partner Cloud Standard, ISO 9001, and 27001 certified delivery organization serving customers with Excellence and Integrity.