Platform as a Service | PaaS

Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a runtime environment. It allows

programmers to easily create, test, run, and deploy web applications. You
can purchase these applications from a cloud service provider on a pay-as-
per-use basis and access them using an Internet connection. In PaaS, back-
end scalability is managed by the cloud service provider, so end-users do not
need to worry about managing the infrastructure.

PaaS includes infrastructure (servers, storage, and networking) and platform

(middleware, development tools, database management systems, business
intelligence, and more) to support the web application life cycle.

Examples: Google App Engine, Force.com, Joyent, Azure.

Some of the Services Provided by PaaS are:

Programming Languages: A variety of programming languages are
supported by PaaS providers, allowing developers to choose their favorite
language to create apps. Languages including Java, Python, Ruby,.NET, PHP,
and Node.js are frequently supported.
Application Frameworks: Pre-configured application frameworks are
offered by PaaS platforms, which streamline the development process. These
frameworks include features like libraries, APIs, and tools for quick
development, laying the groundwork for creating scalable and reliable
applications. Popular application frameworks include Laravel, Django, Ruby
on Rails, and Spring Framework.

Databases: Managed database services are provided by PaaS providers,

making it simple for developers to store and retrieve data. These services
support relational databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL
Server) and NoSQL databases (like MongoDB, Cassandra, and Redis). For its
database services, PaaS platforms often offer automated backups,
scalability, and monitoring tools.

Additional Tools and Services: PaaS providers provide a range of extra

tools and services to aid in the lifecycle of application development and
deployment. These may consist of the following:

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o Development Tools: to speed up the development process, these

include integrated development environments (IDEs), version control
systems, build and deployment tools, and debugging tools.
o Collaboration and Communication: PaaS platforms frequently come
with capabilities for team collaboration, including chat services, shared
repositories, and project management software.
o Analytics and Monitoring: PaaS providers may give tools for
tracking application performance, examining user behavior data, and
producing insights to improve application behavior and address
problems.
o Security and Identity Management: PaaS systems come with built-
in security features like access control, encryption, and mechanisms
for authentication and authorization to protect the privacy of
applications and data.
o Scalability and load balancing: PaaS services frequently offer
automatic scaling capabilities that let applications allocate more
resources as needed to manage a spike in traffic or demand. To
improve performance and availability, load balancing features divide
incoming requests among various instances of the application.
Because of the services offered by PaaS platforms, developers may
concentrate on creating applications rather than worrying about the
infrastructure, middleware, or database management that supports them. A
streamlined and effective environment is provided by PaaS for developing,
deploying, and managing applications.

Development and Deployment Tools:

For the creation and deployment of software applications, Platform as a
Service (PaaS) provides a vast array of tools, libraries, and services. The
following are some of the essential tools and services that PaaS companies
provide:

o Development Tools: To assist developers in writing and testing their

code, PaaS providers provide a variety of development tools, including
integrated development environments (IDEs), software development
kits (SDKs), and programming languages. These tools are frequently
accessible via a web-based interface, making using them from any
location simple.
o Tools for Deployment: PaaS providers offer tools for deployment
that make it simple for developers to upload their apps to the cloud.
These technologies automate processes like scalability, configuration
management, and code deployment.
o Database Administration: PaaS companies provide tools and
services for database management to assist developers in creating and
maintaining their databases. This comprises backup and recovery
services and tools for database design, migration, and replication.
o Integration with Other Services: PaaS companies offer integration
with outside services, including analytics platforms, messaging
services, and payment gateways. This eliminates the need for writing
proprietary code and enables developers to quickly integrate these
services into their applications.
o Security: To assist developers in protecting their apps and data, PaaS
providers offer security tools and services. This includes tools like
firewalls, access controls, and encryption, in addition to adherence to
regulatory requirements like GDPR and HIPAA.
 o Analytical and Monitoring Tools: These are provided by PaaS
providers to assist developers in keeping track of the functionality of
their apps and spotting problems. These technologies offer in-the-
moment insights into resource use, application usage, and other
indicators.

In conclusion, PaaS provides a variety of instruments, resources, and

services to aid in the creation and distribution of software applications.

Development, database administration, deployment, integration with outside

services, analytics and monitoring, and security tools and services are some
of the tools that fall under this category.

Developers can build, test, deploy, and manage their apps on a complete
platform provided by PaaS providers without the need for complicated
infrastructure.

Advantages of PaaS
There are the following advantages of PaaS -

1) Simplified Development

PaaS allows developers to focus on development and innovation without

worrying about infrastructure management.

2) Lower risk

No need for up-front investment in hardware and software. Developers only

need a PC and an internet connection to start building applications.

3) Prebuilt business functionality

Some PaaS vendors also provide already defined business functionality so

that users can avoid building everything from very scratch and hence can
directly start the projects only.

4) Instant community

PaaS vendors frequently provide online communities where the developer

can get ideas, share experiences, and seek advice from others.

5) Scalability
Applications deployed can scale from one to thousands of users without any
changes to the applications.

Disadvantages of PaaS Loud Computing Layer

1) Vendor lock-in

One has to write the applications according to the platform provided by the
PaaS vendor, so the migration of an application to another PaaS vendor
would be a problem.

2) Data Privacy

Corporate data, whether it can be critical or not, will be private, so if it is not

located within the walls of the company, there can be a risk in terms of
privacy of data.

3) Integration with the rest of the systems applications

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It may happen that some applications are local, and some are in the cloud.
So there will be chances of increased complexity when we want to use data
in the cloud with the local data.

4) Limited Customization and Control: The degree of customization and

control over the underlying infrastructure is constrained by PaaS platforms'
frequent provision of pre-configured services and their relative rigidity.

Organizations can evaluate the viability of PaaS solutions for their unique
requirements by taking into account these characteristics, as well as the
trade-offs and potential difficulties involved in implementing such platforms.

Popular PaaS Providers

The below table shows some popular PaaS providers and services that are
provided by them -
 Providers Services

Google App Engine (GAE) App Identity, URL Fetch, Cloud storage client library, Logs

Salesforce.com Faster implementation, Rapid scalability, CRM Services, S

Windows Azure Compute, security, IoT, Data Storage.

AppFog Justcloud.com, SkyDrive, GoogleDocs

Openshift RedHat, Microsoft Azure.

Cloud Foundry from VMware Data, Messaging, and other services.

Software as a Service | SaaS

SaaS is also known as "On-Demand Software." It is a software distribution
model in which services are hosted by a cloud service provider. These
services are available to end-users over the internet, so the end-users do not
need to install any software on their devices to access these services.
Characteristics of SaaS:
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o Web-based Delivery: SaaS apps can be accessed from anywhere

with an internet connection because they are supplied over the
internet, often through a web browser. Users no longer need to install
and maintain software programs on their local machines as a result.
o Multiple Users or "tenants" can access SaaS applications from a
single instance of the program thanks to the concept of multi-tenancy.
As a result, the provider can serve several clients with the same
application without administering unique program instances for every
client.
 o Automatic Updates: SaaS providers are in charge of keeping the
software up to date and making sure that everyone has access to the
newest features and security patches. Users are no longer required to
manually install updates or fixes as a result.
o Scalable: SaaS systems are scalable, which can readily grow or shrink
in response to user demand. This frees up enterprises from worrying
about infrastructure or licensing fees and lets them add or remove
users as needed.
o Pricing on a Subscription Basis: SaaS programs are frequently sold
using a subscription-based pricing model, in which customers pay a
monthly or yearly price to access the program. As a result, companies
won't need to invest significantly in software licenses upfront.
o Data Security, including data encryption, access restrictions, and
backups, is the responsibility of SaaS providers. Users no longer need
to handle their own data security because of this.

In conclusion, SaaS is a type of cloud computing where software applications

are distributed online.

Web-based SaaS solutions provide multi-tenancy, providing data protection,

automatic updates, scalability, and subscription-based pricing. Businesses
can access and use software applications cost-effectively with SaaS without
having to worry about infrastructure or program upkeep.

Access to Software Applications Over the Internet:

o The majority of the time, SaaS companies host software programs on
their own servers and provide them online. Using their login
information, users can access the software through a web browser or
mobile app, authenticating and gaining access to it.
o Users don't need to install or maintain any software on their local
machines because the provider hosts and maintains it. As a result,
users may easily access the program from any location with an
internet connection and on any device that can run mobile apps or web
surfing.
 o All users have access to the most recent features and security updates
because the provider is in charge of keeping the program updated and
maintained. Users are no longer required to manually install updates or
fixes as a result.
o Users often pay a monthly or yearly charge to access the software
through subscription-based SaaS providers. Because they don't have to
make a significant upfront investment in software licenses, businesses
are able to budget for their software costs more effectively as a result.
o In general, SaaS gives enterprises a practical way to use and access
software programs without having to worry about infrastructure or
software upkeep. Providers are in charge of keeping the software up to
date so that all users have access to the newest features and security
patches. Users can access the software from any location with an
internet connection.

Pricing Models: Subscription or User-Based

o Most SaaS companies use a subscription-based pricing structure;
however, some may also provide a usage-based pricing structure.
Users that choose a subscription-based pricing model for their software
access pay a set monthly or yearly charge.
o The cost may vary according to the usage of the software's capabilities
or the number of users. Businesses benefit from predictability and
consistency thanks to this strategy because they can more efficiently
budget for their software expenses.
o In a usage-based pricing model, the costs are determined by how the
program is actually used, such as the volume of data processed, the
number of API requests, or the number of transactions.
o For companies with erratic usage patterns or those that only want the
program sometimes, this model may be more adaptable and
economical.
o According to their business strategy and the demands of their clients,
SaaS providers may offer either a subscription-based or a usage-based
 pricing plan. SaaS offers organizations a cost-effective option to access
and use software products without having to worry about infrastructure
or software maintenance, regardless of the price model.

Services Provided by SaaS:

Business Services - SaaS Provider provides various business services to
start up the business. The SaaS business services include ERP (Enterprise
Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), billing, and
sales.

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Document Management - SaaS document management is a software

application offered by a third party (SaaS provider) to create, manage, and
track electronic documents.

Examples: Slack, Samepage, Box, and Zoho Forms.

Social Networks - As we all know, social networking sites are used by the
general public, so social networking service providers use SaaS for their
convenience and handle the general public's information.

Mail Services - To handle the unpredictable number of users and load on e-

mail services, many e-mail providers offer their services using SaaS.

Collaboration Tools: SaaS companies provide collaboration solutions that

let teams collaborate effectively no matter where they are physically located.
Platforms for project management, apps for team communication, and file-
sharing services are some of these resources.

Examples include Slack, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Workspace

(formerly G Suite).

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Human Resources Management: SaaS-based HR management systems

give companies tools to simplify key HR procedures, such as employee
onboarding, payroll administration, timekeeping, performance reviews, and
employee self-service portals.

Workday, BambooHR, and ADP Workforce Now, as examples.

Customer Support and Help Desk: SaaS platforms provide customer
support and help desk solutions that enable firms to manage customer
inquiries, track support tickets, and promptly address customer issues.

For instance, Salesforce Service Cloud, Freshdesk, and Zendesk.

Marketing and Sales Automation: To increase productivity and boost

income, firms can automate marketing campaigns, lead generation,
customer relationship management, and sales activities using SaaS
marketing and sales automation technologies.

Examples include Marketo, Pardot, and HubSpot.

E-commerce Platforms: SaaS-based e-commerce platforms make it

simpler for businesses to launch and run online storefronts, maintain product
catalogs, handle payments, and keep track of orders.

Examples include WooCommerce (a WordPress plugin), BigCommerce, and

Shopify.

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Advantages of SaaS Cloud Computing Layer

1. SaaS is easy to buy

SaaS pricing is based on a monthly fee or annual fee subscription, so it

allows organizations to access business functionality at a low cost, which is
less than licensed applications.

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Unlike traditional software, which is sold as a licensed base with an up-front

cost (and often an optional ongoing support fee), SaaS providers are
generally pricing the applications using a subscription fee, most commonly a
monthly or annual fee.

2. One to Many

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SaaS services are offered as a one-to-many model means a single instance

of the application is shared by multiple users.

3. Less hardware required for SaaS

The software is hosted remotely, so organizations do not need to invest in
additional hardware.

4. Low maintenance required for SaaS

Software as a service removes the need for installation, set-up, and daily
maintenance for organizations. The initial set-up cost for SaaS is typically
less than the enterprise software. SaaS vendors are pricing their applications
based on some usage parameters, such as the number of users using the
application. So SaaS does easy to monitor and automatic updates.

5. No special software or hardware versions are required

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All users will have the same version of the software and typically access it
through the web browser. SaaS reduces IT support costs by outsourcing
hardware and software maintenance and support to the IaaS provider.

6. Multidevice support

SaaS services can be accessed from any device, such as desktops, laptops,
tablets, phones, and thin clients.

7. API Integration

SaaS services easily integrate with other software or services through

standard APIs.

8. No client-side installation

SaaS services are accessed directly from the service provider using an
internet connection, so they do not need to require any software installation.

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Disadvantages of SaaS Cloud Computing Layer:

1) Security

Actually, data is stored in the cloud, so security may be an issue for some
users. However, cloud computing is not more secure than in-house
deployment.
2) Latency issue

Since data and applications are stored in the cloud at a variable distance
from the end-user, there is a possibility that there may be greater latency
when interacting with the application compared to local deployment.
Therefore, the SaaS model is not suitable for applications whose demand
response time is in milliseconds.

3) Total Dependency on the Internet

Without an internet connection, most SaaS applications are not usable.

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4) Switching between SaaS vendors is difficult

Switching SaaS vendors involves the difficult and slow task of transferring
very large data files over the internet and then converting and importing
them into another SaaS also.

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Popular SaaS Providers

The below table shows some popular SaaS providers and services that are
provided by them -

Provider Services

Salseforce.com On-demand CRM solutions

Microsoft Office Online office suite

365

Google Apps Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, and sites

NetSuite ERP, accounting, order management, CRM, Professionals Servic

applications.

GoToMeeting Online meeting and video-conferencing software

Constant Contact E-mail marketing, online survey, and event marketing

Oracle CRM CRM applications

Workday, Inc Human capital management, payroll, and financial management.