Backend as a Service (BaaS)

In this article, we are going to study a method of development called Backend as a Service (BaaS). It’s a bit of a cumbersome task when you need to learn both the back end and front end to make a fully functional professional website or application. You need to know and set up a database management system to manage data. You need to code for user authentication and make sure about your website’s or application’s security. All of the above-mentioned tasks could be resolved with just one technology i.e., Backend as a Service (BaaS).

Backend as a Service allows you to focus only on the front-end part and the core logic of the website or application. You don’t need to worry about the backend or database stuff anymore.

The backend is another name for the server. It is the logic that runs behind the scenes. It’s everything after the browser. It includes server platforms like PHP, Python, Java, Ruby, and Node.js as well as databases and other technologies.

To create a fully interactive website that not only has a front end but also a back end, you have to learn to code in any of the above languages and should learn about the databases as well. To learn more about Backend click here. Luckily, with modern back-end-as-a-service solutions (BAAS) you can bypass the back-end development entirely. 

There is something called “Cloud Storage”, it refers to a storage method where your data is stored on some external remote server owned by a hosting company that provides the facility to store data at a specific cost. To know more about how cloud storage actually works click here.

MBaaS (Mobile Backend as a Service): It’s a BaaS intended specifically for mobile applications. It’s an online service designed to be all in one solution for backend app development. In short, all the above statements you have read about BaaS apply to MBaaS, but just in the case of mobile applications. You could use Baas and MBaaS interchangeably, but BaaS is more specific to web applications while MBaaS is more centric towards mobile applications, although the service offerings are pretty much the same.

BAAS is a cloud service model in which developers outsource all the behind-the-scenes aspects of a web or mobile application so that they only have to focus on the frontend/UX of the website/app. BAAS allows us to focus on the front end and utilize back-end services without building them.

Difference between Serverless and Backend as a Service:

In Serverless computing the servers will grow automatically depending upon the app usage. But in BaaS, it might or might not grow automatically as the app grows. Many BaaS platforms have a request-per-second limitation that prevents the automatic scaling of servers.

Below are the features of BAAS:

• Database Management and Optimization.
• Cloud storage and hosting.
• User Authentication, verification, management and storage of user-generated content.
• PUSH email notifications.
• Integrations.
• Cloud code functions.
• Social Media integration. 

Below are the benefits of BAAS:

• Focus on core business.
• Focus on the front end and UX.
• Cross-platform development.
• Enhanced your code quality.
• Enhances performance.
• Enhances security.
• Prevent Unauthorized access.
• Restore the affected data.

Disadvantages of BAAS:

• Low flexibility: BaaS is developed to solve most of the backend-related stuff that users might want to attach to their projects. But, if your application needs some unique functionality, it’s highly possible that it will not be included in the BaaS package. 
• Low level of customization: Backend as a Service (BaaS) is good for shorter projects which usually do not change much. BaaS is considered a short-term solution. It is made to suit most users so you will not be able to change much according to your requirements.
• Low reliability: By setting your backend via Backend as a Service provider you are actually trusting the third party for your data management and authorization stuff. Remember even the most popular and prospective service can be shut down one day. That’s why trusting your business to a third party comes at a risk.

Conclusion:

Applications have a front end, a backend and APIs connecting both sides. A backend as a Service (BaaS) that will automate the development of backend code. You should use BaaS if you want to deploy your application fast in the market with minimum effort. It will cost you very little compared to setting up an entire backend and database management team. The leading players in the market are Back4App, Firebase, and Parse.

But you should only use it when you have a not-so-large project. Because in the case of a large project which might grow with time it is not possible to change much. Backend as a Service lacks customization, so you have to see whether your project is large or not-so-large.