MBaaS vs PaaS – What’s the Difference?

MBaaS vs PaaS

Developing an application focuses on writing quality code that translates into fluid and feature-rich offerings for target users. But did you know that there is a need to prioritize the type of cloud functionality your app needs?

A developer needs ample space to store, access, and streamline the information that is being created through user activity. Cloud infrastructure is essential whether you are developing an app for Android, iOS, or HTML5 environments.

The cloud environment you use will dictate how your application will run, fetch required data, and respond to scalability demands. The type of cloud infrastructure you choose for an application directly impacts the performance and accessibility of data.

Two of the most widely preferred infrastructures today are MBaaS and PaaS.

The MBaaS vs PaaS debate has raged on for quite some time, and the infrastructures have the global development community divided in opinion. Each has its own sets of features, enables certain functionalities, and carries a host of benefits. Read on to get a better idea about both MBaaS and PaaS to make your choice simpler.

What is MBaaS?

Mobile Backend as a Service or MBaaS is an architecture that performs backend development automation and handles the cloud infrastructure.

It can also be described as a cloud-hosted infrastructure to let mobile and web apps access backend storage, APIs, and social networks efficiently. An MBaaS enables companies to focus on frontend development while the server maintenance responsibilities lie with a third party.

MBaaS offers various tools for writing code to accelerate application development. Programmers can also access instant features like file storage, data management, push notifications, APIs, and notifications. Apart from raising the speed of backend development, an MBaaS platform also enables hassle-free scalability of cloud infrastructure.

• MBaas enables companies to save money by eliminating hiring a backend engineer.
• The time to the market duration for an application is also reduced.
• No business resources have to be assigned for infrastructure management.

Key advantages of MBaaS

• A standardized coding environment enables faster and easier coding
• Search, data storage, and authentication are ready to use features
• Security and backup infrastructure is ready to use
• Developers can clone apps with ease
• Using an MBaaS is recommended for running standalone applications for mobile platforms.

Software project examples you can develop using MBaaS

Here are some app examples you can create using a mobile backend as a service:

• Game Application
• SaaS Application
• Web Application
• Mobile Apps

MBaaS Examples

Here are some MBaaS cloud services examples:

• Back4app
• Firebase
• Parse

What is PaaS?

Platform as a Service or PaaS is a cloud computing model in which hardware and software resources are delivered to a client by a third-party service provider. 

The resources delivered to clients over the Internet include components needed to develop applications. A PaaS service utilizes its infrastructure to host its clients’ software and hardware resources.

There is no need to install software and hardware on-premises. In most cases, a PaaS will run on top of an infrastructure provider and deliver more layers of value like O/S, Middleware, and runtime.

Developers can utilize the environment offered by a PaaS service provider to install applications and store required data. Using this platform reduces the need to create and maintain one’s infrastructure. A typical PaaS offering has computing and storage infrastructure tools, testing and compiling tools, text editing, and version management.

• PaaS enables users to rent infrastructure like virtualized servers for the purpose of application testing, running, development, design, and hosting.
• PaaS can be used for developing both web applications and mobile applications.
• A PaaS offering can be delivered in three different ways, i.e., service, solution stack, and integrated solution.

Key advantages of PaaS

• PaaS reduces the burden of extensive development due to the resources it offers. Developers can easily access convenient code libraries, templates, and tools.
• Development with PaaS is relatively cost-effective as developers do not have to develop an application from scratch.
• The coding load is reduced due to the presence of pre-built software components.
• PaaS facilitates the easy scalability of products and services due to code reusability features.

PaaS Examples

Here are some MBaaS cloud services examples:

• Heroku
• Engine Yard
• Dokku

Differences between MBaaS and PaaS

PaaS and MBaaS are not entirely different as infrastructure for software development, testing, and running. In some cases, an MBaaS is often referred to as a PaaS equipped with the feature of backend building.

Yet, there are apparent differences related to the purpose of using each model, its features, and its functionalities. Take a look at the critical differences between PaaS vs MBaaS below. 

The points mentioned above signify the differences between a Platform as a Service (PaaS) and a Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS) model. The choice between MBaaS vs PaaS depends on the type of application to be built and how they will be managed.

Summary

MBaas and PaaS are two of the most widely-used cloud computing and storage models for software development. They are considerably different in terms of the features, functionalities, and benefits they provide. Developers can make a suitable choice by outweighing the pros and cons of each.