The need to streamline new application development is driving demand for a relatively new form of cloud computing known as platform-as-a-service (PaaS), according to a new study released by the IBM Center for Applied Insights. Unlike other cloud computing services, such as infrastructure-as-a-service and software-as-a-service, PaaS uniquely offers a foundation of common application services, tools and templates for businesses to rent and build their own powerful software applications quickly and deploy them into an automated environment.
In response, IBM has announced the availability of a new PaaS offering to help organizations build and deploy software applications quickly and effectively by renting IBM's PaaS cloud computing platform of integrated middleware, monitoring, networks, servers and storage. IBM's new PaaS cloud offering, SmartCloud Application Services, provides self-service, instant access to an application development suite of tools, middleware and databases, available via pattern-based technology.
IBM’s survey of more than 1,500 IT decision makers from 18 countries found that IT leaders are blazing the trail with early adoption of PaaS for business advantage – citing big data as the primary reason among several strategic initiatives they are targeting. According to the survey, nearly 20% of respondents are currently using PaaS, although more than half recognize the opportunity.
“Just as auto makers have used common platforms or chassis to manufacture their lines of cars more efficiently, PaaS allows organizations to standardize their IT platform and quickly introduce new competitive offerings," explains Erich Clementi, senior vice president of IBM Global Technology Services. “IBM is focused on industrializing this cloud platform to drive business innovation around key enterprise applications.”
For more information about SmartCloud Application Services, go here.
To access the IBM PaaS research report, visit www.ibm.com/cai/paas.