What is Platform as a Service (PaaS)?

Platform as a Service can be seen as the level above Infrastructure as a Service. It is a service that enables users to buy in complete application systems to fulfil a specific job without having to invest in the hardware and software to run them. However, the fundamental IT infrastructures, such as servers and network, must already be in place. They are the infrastructure that PaaS does not cover.

PaaS - plug in and go

PaaS offers speed and efficiency, allowing organisations with existing infrastructure to 'buy of the shelf' a self-contained platform solution to 'plug in' to their systems. It means that the user does not need to invest in time and expertise developing a system. It also means that deployment can be rapid, allowing for businesses to react quickly to market conditions.

Examples of PaaS include Google AppEngine and Microsoft Azure.

PaaS benefits at a glance

• Rapid deployment
• Scalable
• Flexible
• Upgrades with No Downtime
• Expert support
• Cost effective
• Kind to the environmental
• Secure