Let us start at the foundation, what is Platform-as-a-Service and how it will benefit a company. But before that, we need to understand Software-as-a-Service [SaaS] which is an application like your business app, web-based email, or a word processor that ran completely in the cloud. Companies began adopting the SaaS model, which essentially paved the way ahead for cloud computing services. In fact, for most of us, the first connection with a cloud-based system was checking our mails on the web.
Platform-as-a-Service [PaaS] is an extension of this model. Over the last decade or so, enterprises have not only taken to business apps running from the cloud, but they have adopted cloud computing as a space to run the platform for software. PaaS is defined as a cloud computing model where you will engage with a third-party provider to deliver the necessary hardware and software tools to end-users. These tools are typically required for app development.
Since the tools are hosted in the cloud, developers need not install the same onto their system to run new applications. PaaS tools are quite simple and convenient to use, and users normally pay on a per-use basis. Optimization of resources and cost is a key advantage of PaaS which is what drives enterprise to switch to this model.
How does PaaS work?
As mentioned above, PaaS is a type of cloud computing solution that enables clients to develop, run, and manage their business apps without a need to create an exclusive infrastructure to host the same.
While PaaS will not replace the entire IT infrastructure dedicated to software development, the necessary tools are available on the host’s infrastructure, that can be accessed through the web browser.
PaaS solutions are made accessible through public, private and hybrid clouds.
Some of the PaaS services are,
- Application hosting
- Web service integration Information security
- Java development.
- Development team collaboration
- Database integration
- Application testing and deployment
- Application design and development
The PaaS advantages
The biggest advantage PaaS offers is giving enterprises the freedom to gain access to an environment to create and deploy new web/mobile applications without spending too much money or time. The infrastructure is pre-set and easily accessible. Some of the other advantages are,
- There is faster development of apps
- Rapid time to the market
- Allows users to test out new languages, databases, operating systems and other technologies
- Easy upgrade of tools
- Access the infrastructure from anywhere anytime
- Full control of data and secure space
Integration platform as a Service (iPaaS)
Joining the league of SaaS and PaaS is iPaaS, also a cloud-based solution. The key benefits of PaaS, SaaS and iPaaS is that it gives businesses the opportunity to innovate, increase speed in reaching the market, optimising their cost, increase efficiency and offer better customer experience, which is the ultimate goal for businesses today.
While the Integration Platform as a Service [iPaaS], is a relatively new approach to the world of integration. This system enables businesses across sectors to connect their applications, data, and processes much faster than what was available in the traditional integration platform. A sign that iPaaS is slowly but surely going to become an integral part of any business is Gartner’s slew of research publications, including the Gartner Reference Model of Integration PaaS.
To put it in a nutshell, iPaaS is a suite of cloud services that enables development, execution, and governance of integration flows. It also facilitates connecting a combination of on-premise and cloud-based processes, applications, services, and data within individual or across multiple organizations.
If you were to assess the need for iPaaS for your business, look at the below-mentioned challenges. If you experience one or more of these, then it is time to adopt iPaaS.
• Integrating the on-premise and legacy application to SaaS platforms
• Enabling cloud services and integrating with 3rd party platforms
• Curb any risk associated with data security
• Supporting the frequent changes in the back-end systems to help meet business requirements
• Scale-up the integration platform to meet IoT and other digital needs.
Neutrinos supports the next generation of integration platform as a service (iPaaS) integration patterns. Cloud Application Integration (CAI), offered by IICS, provides a unified development environment and a breadth of functionality that guarantees superior ease of use, including a forms-based Service Connector tool that integrates any API with ease, advanced orchestration design capabilities, and ease of deployment. Our integrated platform- “Neutrinos Services Designer” offers scalable integration solutions to both on-premise and cloud integration. It is probably the only solution of its kind that allows a “true no lock-in” feature.
To learn more, reach out to us today!