The rapid adoption of cloud computing has given birth to several ‘as-a-service’ platforms. Every category under the ‘as-a-service’ umbrella helps companies solve a specific problem or gain access to advanced capabilities that would otherwise be out of reach or built in-house.

Application Platform-as-a-Service is one such solution that helps organizations build applications. Companies can leverage APaaS platforms to create an agile app that requires fewer developers, has enhanced scalability, and provides the back-end infrastructure apps require. 

What exactly is APaaS? What are its benefits? And how does it differ from PaaS? Read on to learn more about this emerging as-a-service solution.

Application Platform-as-a-Service (APaaS) is a cloud-based platform that gives companies access to the required software and infrastructure they need to develop and deploy applications. APaaS solutions quicken development time by removing the need to build the backend infrastructure and core software layer from scratch. 

Even applications that seem simple on the surface need a robust backend infrastructure to keep them in operation. Furthermore, as the app gains more users, the backend infrastructure must grow to keep the app stable and usable. 

APaaS provide the backend and often include a core software layer that developers can build upon rather than starting from scratch. Additionally, some APaaS solutions include specific development tools that create low-code development environments. 

APaaS stands for Application Platform-as-a-Service. Like other -aaS offerings such as SaaS and UCaaS, APaaS is a subscription-based cloud service that gives companies advanced capabilities. As a result, organizations that use an APaaS solution will reduce development costs by saving time and requiring fewer developers to bring the application to life.

Why should an organization consider an APaaS solution for its applications? There are several distinct advantages APaaS platforms provide compared to the traditional app development process.

Speed

Your APaaS solution will give you a core software layer, backend infrastructure, and often custom development tools. Each feature significantly decreases development time by removing the need to build a software layer and infrastructure from the beginning. 

The exact capabilities of an APaaS offering will vary between companies. For example, some APaaS solutions provide low-code development tools that use pre-made modules that quicken the development process and cut down on the mundane aspects of app development. 

Speed is an essential factor in application development. It’s common that the first app to introduce a new capability is seen as innovative and appreciates an influx of users. Additionally, rapidly deploying bug fixes can reduce user frustration and bad reviews.

Fewer Developers Required

Building an application from the ground up generally requires a team of developers, and some of those developers will need special skills to build the app’s backend. APaaS offerings remove the need for backend developers, provided the existing team has the skills required to use the APaaS-provided infrastructure. 

Additionally, the low-code tools provided by many APaaS solutions further decrease the need for a large team of developers. Fewer developers mean less money spent on new hires or contractors, which can significantly improve the app’s profitability.

Scalability

Your app must be able to grow, whether you’re developing an in-house application or one meant for external customers or clients. As your app gains momentum, your app’s infrastructure needs to grow with it. Otherwise, users may experience slow loading speeds, or the app may fail to operate entirely. 

APaaS solutions are cloud-based and designed for scalability. The promise of cloud computing, in general, is that companies will have access to the resources they need whenever they need them. APaaS embraces this promise and applies it specifically to the backend infrastructure of applications. 

PaaS and PaaS are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Platform-as-a-Service solutions are more generalized, while APaaS solutions are specifically focused on applications. 

PaaS is any integrated stack, solution, or service delivered over the Internet that can provide a database, middleware, operating system, or even an application. APaaS can be considered a subcategory of PaaS that specifies the service is custom-made for applications rather than a diverse variety of possible platforms.