What's Microsoft Azure Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)?

Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a complete set of tools required to build, deploy, manage, and update applications. This includes servers, storage, networking, databases, and middleware. A PaaS vendor offers all of these components and the ability to scale up or down based on demand. In addition, it typically provides a programming language, IDE, and runtime environment.

A PaaS vendor typically does not provide operating system images; instead, it allows you to provision virtual machines running Linux, Windows Server, and macOS. You are responsible for installing and configuring the operating system, middleware, and server-side frameworks inside those VMs.

You are also responsible for installing and configuring the client-side libraries, frameworks, and code needed to use the applications. Finally, you must integrate the application into your existing IT architecture.

Advantages of PaaS

With Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), you get the same benefits as Platform as a Service (PaaS). However, its additional features—such as middleware, developer tools, and other business services—offer even greater advantages.

Cut coding time

Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) development tools can help developers save time by cutting down on coding time. They include pre-built applications for things like workflow, directory services, secure access, and so on.

Add development capabilities without adding staff

A PaaS can provide your development team with new capabilities without requiring them to hire additional people who have the necessary skill sets.

Develop for multiple platforms—including mobile—more easily

You may be able to get some services from different companies that offer development options for multiple devices, including desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and even smart TVs.

Use sophisticated tools affordably

Pay-as-You-Go models let people or companies pay for the usage of advanced technology that they could not otherwise afford.

Support geographically distributed development teams

Because the development environment is accessed over the Internet, development teams can work together on projects even when team members are in remote locations.

Efficiently manage the application lifecycle

Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides all of the capabilities needed to run an entire web app lifecycle from development through deployment and management.

Common PaaS scenarios

Organizations typically use PaaS for these scenarios:

Development framework.

Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a framework that allows application development without having to worry about infrastructure management. With PaaS, users can focus on developing applications rather than managing servers. PaaS includes tools to help manage databases, load balancing, security, monitoring, and scaling.

Analytics or business intelligence.

With tools available through Platform as a Service (PaaS), organizations can analyse and mine their own datasets, find insight and patterns and predict outcomes for better decision making.

Other features. Platform as a Service (PaaS) vendors may provide additional features that enhance applications, such as WorkFlow, Directory, Security, and Scheduling.