Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Slide deck explaining Platform as a Service (PaaS), provider and customer responsibilities, how PaaS differs from IaaS and SaaS, typical scenarios, and common pitfalls.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Introduction to Platform as a Service (PaaS), covering what PaaS is and how it differs from other cloud service models.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Introduction to Platform as a Service (PaaS), covering what PaaS is and how it differs from other cloud service models.
Platform as a Service (PaaS): the problem it solves
PaaS reduces platform maintenance so you can focus on the application. Provider manages the platform layer. You focus on the application (code, config, data). Less OS and platform patching work.
PaaS in one sentence
You deploy your application code to a provider-managed platform. Deploy and run your code. Provider manages the platform. You typically don't patch the OS. Faster delivery with less platform work.
IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS (who manages what)
PaaS sits between renting infrastructure (IaaS) and consuming a finished app (SaaS). Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): you manage more of the stack. Platform as a Service (PaaS): you deploy code; platform is managed. Software as a Service (SaaS): you use a finished app. Classify by responsibility, not by 'it's in the cloud'.
Provider responsibilities in PaaS
The provider runs infrastructure and the platform components, including the OS. Infrastructure: datacenter, hardware, physical security, connectivity. Operating System (OS) is typically provider-managed. Platform components to run apps are managed. Less OS licensing and patching work for you.
Your responsibilities in PaaS
You still own the app and the data, even if the platform is managed. Application code (build and deploy). Application configuration (behavior and connections). Data (protection and access control). Provider manages platform; you manage your workload.
Rule of thumb: OS + code deployment
Look at OS management and whether you deploy your own code. Manage the Operating System (OS) equals usually Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Deploy code; don't manage OS equals usually Platform as a Service (PaaS). Use a finished app; no code deployment equals usually Software as a Service (SaaS). Verify per service: responsibilities can vary.
Scenario: deploy code, skip server maintenance
PaaS fits when you want to deploy code without OS and server upkeep. Want to deploy code without configuring servers. Provider manages platform and OS maintenance. You still manage app config and data protection. Security is shared: platform is managed, app choices are yours.
Scenario: patching an OS on a Virtual Machine (VM)
If you manage the OS on a VM, that usually points to IaaS, not PaaS. Choose OS version and install updates. Maintain host and software stack. Managing OS equals strong IaaS signal. 'Cloud-hosted' does not equal 'PaaS'.
Scenario: using a finished app (SaaS)
If you don't deploy your own code and just use the app, it's SaaS. Subscribe and use a finished application. Manage users and settings. No deployment of your application code. Not patching servers can be PaaS or SaaS—check code deployment.
PaaS is a model for managed platforms
PaaS isn't one product type; it's the same responsibility pattern across services. Managed place to host apps, run code, or use managed data services. Provider handles platform maintenance. You focus on app logic, configuration, and data. PaaS does not equal 'only web hosting'.
Common pitfalls (and corrections)
Most mistakes come from ignoring responsibilities and focusing only on where it runs. VM plus OS management equals typically IaaS. PaaS still requires app plus data responsibility. Finished app with no code deployment equals typically SaaS. Responsibilities can vary by service or configuration.