Overview
This lecture reviewed the top Platform as a Service (PaaS) providers for 2025, focusing on their features, strengths, weaknesses, and major selection criteria.
What is PaaS?
- PaaS provides cloud-based tools to develop, run, and maintain applications, distinct from IaaS, which handles hardware infrastructure.
- It simplifies app development by managing complex infrastructure, letting developers focus on coding.
- Access options include cloud provider services, private services behind firewalls, or software deployed on public infrastructure.
Top PaaS Providers for 2025
AWS Elastic Beanstalk (Best for reliability)
- Built on AWS; easy-to-navigate management console.
- Highly customizable and user-friendly with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Relies on AWS infrastructure with 99.99% uptime guarantee.
- Main drawback: limited debugging and monitoring tools.
Microsoft Azure App Service (Best for security)
- Integrates PaaS/IaaS with a strong focus on security and compliance.
- Supports multiple languages: Python, Java, Node.js, .NET, etc.
- Fully managed, scalable, with complex UI and pricing.
Google App Engine (Best for performance)
- Supports Java, C#, Python, PHP, Go, Node.js, and more.
- Features easy monitoring/debugging and strong scalability.
- Fully managed with robust infrastructure but more expensive than competitors.
Heroku (Best for ease of use)
- Very intuitive interface and fast server deployment.
- Supports many programming languages and third-party Buildpacks.
- Affordable for small projects; expensive at high traffic.
DigitalOcean App Platform (Best for affordability)
- Focuses on low-cost, user-friendly solutions.
- Supports multiple languages and offers easy SSL/DoS protection.
- Free tier for static sites; premium plans for dynamic apps.
Choosing a PaaS Provider
- Ensure support for your preferred programming languages and frameworks.
- Check scalability, run-time environments, and long-term affordability.
- Assess the ease of use and quality of monitoring tools.
Features to Look For
- Web-based development environment for real-time code deployment.
- Built-in monitoring, analytics, and comprehensive database support.
- Middleware services to facilitate app development.
Key Terms & Definitions
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) — Delivers cloud tools for app development and management.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) — Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.
- Middleware — Software bridging operating systems and apps for enhanced functionality.
- Scalability — The ability to handle growing workloads without performance loss.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review class notes on cloud service models (PaaS vs IaaS).
- Research pricing structures of the top PaaS providers for your project needs.