Developer and Operational point-of-view on using PaaS service vs using containers to host an application on Cloud

In today’s world, the significant growth in data collection, data complexity and the importance of data privacy has led to many firms choosing Cloud Computing Services. It has now become an essential service for almost every business. Companies choose cloud computing services for their safety, robust nature and convenient to use environment.

There are many types of platforms available to serve different kinds of cloud computing purposes such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Function as a Service (FaaS), Location as a Service (LaaS) and Container as a Service (CaaS). It is essential to note that CaaS isn’t traditionally used as a key service mode however, many firms these days are seen to be adopting CaaS due to its various advantages. In this article, we will mainly discuss two of the kinds given from above; Platform as a Service and Container as a Service.

Platform as a Service defined

PaaS, aka Platform as a Service is essentially a cloud computing model. Its key role is to deliver the software and hardware tools required for application development to a software developer. It harnesses a compete development and deployment environment in the cloud itself. This enables the software developer to deploy anything; From simple cloud-based apps to complex sophisticated solutions. To be able to run or develop an application on PaaS, users don’t have to install hardware and the software as the PaaS provider  takes care of hosting the software and hardware on their infrastructure. Some examples of PaaS providers can be the Google App engine, AWS or Microsoft.

PaaS and it’s growing popularity

It has been observed that PaaS has a growing popularity amongst developers. In today’s date, nearly 50% in Asia, Europe and America choose PaaS. PaaS also reduces costs significantly as it nearly eliminates the need to build an application from scratch. Therefore, it is a cost-effective development.  One of the major factors that contributes to organizations preferring PaaS is that it reduces pressure on internal resources. This also helps reduce overhead costs by taking care of server and storage, network bandwidth and server maintenance.

Limitations of PaaS

However, PaaS has its limitations on its own. Running PaaS can be a complex task. Without the proper knowledge and infrastructure, PaaS can prove to be a daunting method platform to work with. With PaaS, there have also been multiple concerns about data isolation, multi-tenancy and data security. Lastly, an organization may work with legacy applications which can have a hard time being built in this environment. The tools in PaaS may not serve the application’s network well.

Container as a Service defined

CaaS, aka Container as a Service is essentially a cloud computing service that helps deploy and manage apps using a container-based interaction. It is a combination of IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and PaaS. It can even be termed as a subset of IaaS. The provider offers the framework on which the containers are deployed and managed, and it’s through this orchestration that key IT functions are automated. One example of CaaS is Microsoft Azure.

Benefits of CaaS

Using Containers has many benefits as well. Containers provide portability. It is a flexible environment because you can move easily between workloads and environment. Containers also require fewer resources hence they require less hardware i.e., cost effective. Moreover, CaaS also provides for a safer environment and speedier development.

Limitations of CaaS

One of the biggest drawback organizations face when employing Containers as a Service is the operational overheads. CaaS can prove to be a costlier venture as compared to PaaS. Moreover, developers and designers need to be thorough with the technology and skill in order to implement their ideas on the platform.

Making the right choice

An organization or a developer should consider using Platform as a Service when they have adequate resources and wish to build customizable applications. As PaaS provides a solid infrastructure, PaaS reduces overhead costs. Therefore, organizations wishing to spread capital investments should consider PaaS as an option. Moreover, PaaS provides rapid development to organizations using agile methodology in software development.

CaaS is a preferred option amongst developers who wish to have granular control over containerization tasks. An team or an organization with a strong infrastructure related to dealing with network and operations often prefers CaaS over PaaS.

PaaS and CaaS aren’t essentially different ways to solve a problem as they have their own distinct use cases. Consequently, many developers also use a PaaS-CaaS hybrid model.

If we can mention Pass Provider names as well like AWS , Google or Microsoft.

I have different thought here. Paas Does not eliminates the need to build an application from scratch . It is cost effective as the provider takes care of server & storage , network bandwidth , server maintenance etc.

Written By:

Anurag Setia

Vice President-Technology