By David 
No enterprise IT manager should underestimate
the power of PaaS (platform-as-a-service) cloud computing. The advantages in
terms of cost-efficiency and flexible, scalable development capabilities are
well-known. Less well understood is how integrating your PaaS with SaaS
(software-as-a-service) and IaaS (infrastructure-as-a-service) is beneficial.
Here, Ravi
Bahethi, president of Terranet, Inc. discusses how harnessing the full power of
integrated PaaS is one of the most powerful options available to any small to
medium-sized business today.
What is
PaaS?
PaaS is a form of cloud computing service
where a service provider provides a platform to clients. The cloud platform
allows clients to develop, operate, and maintain business applications from
their remote location with needing to obtain and maintain the local
infrastructure that is typically required. The service provider manages and
runs the cloud server while managing the allocation of resources to clients;
that way, clients can focus on development and related activities. Clients can
enjoy faster development and delivery as well as other production advantages
when they are free from infrastructure development and management.
PaaS
and Development
Along with cloud infrastructure, PaaS includes
development tools. PaaS provides a system that developers use to build and
customize cloud-based programs and applications. The platform allows developers
to use built-in software to assist in coding new applications. PaaS development
also allows programmers to spend more of their time coding their applications
thanks to the scalability and multi-user capabilities of the cloud platform.
PaaS enables clients to get more work done with less staff and lets programmers
more easily develop for multiple platforms, such as mobile, desktop, and
browsers. As a pay-per-use format, PaaS allows developers to access more
advanced development tools than they would otherwise be able to use.
PaaS
Integration with SaaS and IaaS
Many client organizations use all three most
common cloud services, PaaS, SaaS, and IaaS. The integration of these services
in a useful way can deliver a complete service that exceeds the power of any
one of the services. It is essential to understand what SaaS and IaaS provide
to understand how valuable an integrated PaaS can be.
IaaS is a service where the cloud provider
gives access to standard computing resources like storage, servers, and
networking infrastructure. However, an IaaS provider does not develop a
platform for these resources.
SaaS is simply software that clients can
access and use through the cloud, just as if it were installed locally on the
clients’ computers.
An integrated PaaS system delivers the entire
infrastructure, meaning that clients are relieved from local development and
acquisition of the components of IaaS and SaaS while also enjoying the tools
that integrate the operation of the associated services. Many PaaS systems
provide continuously updated integration, allowing for updates and new
functions without interrupting client access to the platform.
Evaluating the quality of any proposed PaaS
should focus on the quality of the integration of the platform with IaaS and
SaaS systems that are of value to the company. With the right PaaS service,
companies can get down quickly to the business of developing code and products
that can be delivered efficiently.
About
Ravi Bahethi
Ravi Bahethi specializes in programming and
systems engineering and serves both government and industry clients. Mr.
Bahethi is a devoted believer in the power of integration of technologies in
order to create new and more powerful efficiencies. He is a confident team
leader, experienced programmer and systems engineer, and president of Terranet
Inc. He is devoted to providing flexible and cost-effective IT solutions to his
clients. When he is not working, Ravi enjoys reading, walking, and playing
tennis.
SME Paid Under
Editorialist Team 
Sitetrail Research Team