What is PaaS?
Platform as a Service (PaaS) is a concept that describes a computing platform that is subscribed to as an integrated solution, or a specific solution stack capability through an Internet connection.
The solution stack may be based on a set of components or software subsystems used to develop fully functional products or services, such as a web application that uses an OS, web server, database and programming language. More generically, the solution stack may deliver an OS, middleware, database or application.
PaaS evolved from the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model, which uses the Internet to access computer infrastructure resources. The PaaS service delivery model allows a user to rent virtualized servers and associated services used to run existing applications, or to design, create, test, deploy and host applications.
PaaS offerings often include a variety of services and service combinations spanning the application development lifecycle. Typical service features include source code control and tracking, versioning, testing and build process management tools.