A startup is launching a new web application and wants to focus entirely on product development without managing underlying infrastructure, operating systems, or even runtime environments. They need a cloud service model where the cloud provider handles all aspects of the application stack except for the application code and data. Which service model is most appropriate?
- AInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
- BFunction as a Service (FaaS)
- CPlatform as a Service (PaaS)
- DSoftware as a Service (SaaS)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, including operating systems, programming language execution environment, databases, and web servers. The user only manages their applications and data, which perfectly matches the startup's requirement to focus solely on product development without infrastructure management.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. IaaS requires the user to manage operating systems, middleware, and runtime, which is more than the startup wants to handle.
- B. FaaS (serverless) is a subset of PaaS, focusing on event-driven functions, but PaaS is the broader category that fits the 'web application' and 'runtime environment' needs.
- D. SaaS provides a complete, ready-to-use application, which would mean the startup isn't developing their own web application.
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
A cloud service model that provides a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, with resources that enable customers to deliver everything from simple cloud-based apps to sophisticated, cloud-enabled enterprise applications.
- Provider manages OS, middleware, runtime
- User manages only application and data
- Accelerates development and deployment
Memory trick: IaaS is renting land, PaaS is renting a house, SaaS is renting a fully furnished apartment.