Almost everywhere you go, you will have probably been bombarded by two words: “Cloud Computing.” It seems to be all the rage in the computing and data storage world these days. We have moved on from the good old days of cables that used to run all the way from the back of your computer to the server located where there are usually many, many IT guys roaming around.
These days you are invisibly connected to a server in the “cloud,”and chances are you wouldn’t even know where you send your data every time you click on the “Save” button.
Now, Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is a category of Cloud computing technology where instead of simply being used to save and store data, it allows businesses a “platform” or operating system and server upon which they can test, run and administer web applications and services. As a matter of fact, a PaaS solution may include a complete middleware collection that includes an operating system, a file management system, databases, a web-server, a content management system and even a proxy – if it doesn’t have it, they can simply be added upon request.
The technological infrastructure is sold or rented out to businesses by service providers who also manage the platforms for them and offer their support services. Whenever a new requirement is asked of them, the providers upgrade and configure the PaaS and hand over the new platform. The business and its developers or testers can simply go about doing what they do without the additional burden of maintain and administering a server.
Right, now that we have cleared that up, let’s move on to how PaaS can help businesses with their day-to-day activities:
Offers a Foreign Environment
If a business wanted to test an application or service on a platform other than the one they are using, the best way to go about it would be to purchase and use a PaaS solution.
This way the business wouldn’t have to invest in all the hardware, software and technical knowhow that usually come with setting up a test environment.
A business that wanted to roll out an application or service for mobile devices, for example, could rent a PaaS solution with mobile-specific tools and software plus tech support on standby.
A Way to Dump Traditional IT…
Many IT people would probably not like to hear this but, unfortunately for them, as businesses look for ways to cut their costs in an increasingly competitive world, they are opting for lighter and slimmer business plans. All supporting departments, including IT, find themselves at the risk of being put on the chopping block.
It has become much cheaper to outsource server maintenance and administration that businesses are opting to have someone else do the job for them. For a fraction of the price, they can now hire a whole IT department without adding the cost of wages and overhead to their budgets. No salaries and benefits are paid to employees, and there is no need for investing in constant upgrading of hard- and software.
Added Ease of Scalability
One mustn’t forget that, as mentioned earlier, PaaS is part of a Cloud computing solution which also means it is easy to scale-up. As a business grows, its demand for better, faster and larger technical solutions also grows. Now, again, instead of pouring money into an IT department that usually goes out of date as soon as it has opened its doors, a business can simply spend a fraction of the expense on a new PaaS configuration and not worry about depreciation.
Shows the Business in a Positive Light
Being able to easily switch to and upgrade PaaS solutions makes it also easy for businesses to adopt new and latest technologies. In today’s cutthroat market business need make use of any and every advantage they can get their hands on to stay ahead of the competition.
Any application or service they offer on the latest, advanced technologies will not only win a business some respect from its competitors but also trust from its clients and consumers who will almost always expect to be served with the best solution available.
Chance to Reach More Clients
PaaS, like any Cloud solution, allows for easy and wider access. Anyone with a connection can now access a server, application or service that is hosted on a PaaS solution. This gives businesses the ability to reach clients and customers that they could only have dreamt of serving not too long ago.
If the PaaS is replicated across multiple servers, it also means there is an increase in speed of access and service as people in any part of the world can be served from servers that are closest to them.
If It Doesn’t Work…
Let’s face it: not every business is a success, and if a business were ever to fail (knock on wood) it doesn’t have to worry about getting rid of all the hardware (which should be discarded in a proper way) and software that would normally be found in a server room.
A simple request for the erasing of the PaaS should do the trick – and the business washes its hands of the whole affair.
And so, there you have it: If your business needs to cut its costs and adopt new technology, PaaS is a must to be considered at the next budget meeting.
