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Backend as a service

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Backend as a service (BaaS), also known as "mobile backend as a service" (MBaaS),[1] is a model for providing web and mobile app developers with a way to link their applications to backend cloud storage while also providing features such as user management, push notifications, and integration with social networking services. These services are provided via the use of custom software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs). BaaS is a relatively recent development in cloud computing,[2] with most BaaS startups dating from 2011 or later.[3][4] The global BaaS market had an estimated value of $216.5 million in 2012.[5]

Purpose

Web and mobile apps require a similar set of features on the backend, including push notifications, integration with social networks, and cloud storage.[6] Each of these services has their own API that must be individually incorporated into an app, a process that can be time-consuming and complicated for app developers.[7] BaaS providers form a bridge between the frontend of an application and various cloud-based backends via a unified API and SDK.[1]

Providing a consistent way to manage backend data means that developers do not need to redevelop their own backend for each of the services that their apps need to access,[6] potentially saving both time and money.[8][7]

Although similar to other cloud-computing developer tools, such as software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS), BaaS is distinct from these other services in that it specifically addresses the cloud-computing needs of web and mobile app developers by providing a unified means of connecting their apps to cloud services.[9][10]

Service providers

Each BaaS provider offers a slightly different set of backend tools and resources.[10] Among the most common services provided are push notifications, file storage and sharing, integration with social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, location services, messaging and chat functions, user management, running business logic, and usage analysis tools.[10][7][11]

BaaS providers have a broad focus, providing SDKs and APIs that work for app development on multiple platforms, such as iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone, HTML5, and others.[11] Providers may also offer links to multiple backend storage options, such as Microsoft Azure, Rackspace and Amazon EC2.[12]

Business model

BaaS providers generate revenue from their services in various ways, often using a freemium model. Under this model, a client receives a certain number of free active users or API calls per month, and pays a fee for each user or call over this limit. Alternatively, clients can pay a set fee for a package which allows for a greater number of calls or active users per month.[6][13]

References

  1. ^ a b Kin Lane (03 June, 2012). "Rise of Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS) API Stacks". API Evangelist. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  2. ^ Alex Williams (11 October, 2012). "Kii Cloud Opens Doors For Mobile Developer Platform With 25 Million End Users". TechCrunch. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  3. ^ Aaron Tan (30 September, 2012). "FatFractal ups the ante in backend-as-a-service market". Techgoondu.com. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  4. ^ Dan Rowinski (9 November, 2011). "Mobile Backend As A Service Parse Raises $5.5 Million in Series A Funding". ReadWrite. Retrieved 23 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Backend as a Service (BaaS) Market worth $7.7 Billion by 2017". MarketsandMarkets. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ a b c Ryan Lawler (26 March, 2012). "Parse offers its mobile backend-as-a-service on a freemium model". GigaOM. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b c Alex Williams (11 July, 2012). "Kinvey Raises $5 Million For Mobile And Web App Backend As A Service". TechCrunch. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  8. ^ Michael Facemire (2 September, 2012). "Enterprise Mobility: How Fast Can Development Go?". Michael Facemire's Blog. Forrester.com. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Understanding the Basics of Backend as a Service (BaaS)". Mobile City. Silicon India. 9 August, 2012. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  10. ^ a b c Dan Rowinski (17 April, 2012). "The Rise of Mobile Cloud Services: BaaS Startups Grow Up". ReadWrite. Retrieved 23 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  11. ^ a b Robin Wauters (30 May, 2012). "Buddy.com raises $1m, offers a "backend-as-a-service" platform for app developers". The Next Web. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  12. ^ Barb Darrow (2 August, 2012). "Developers: Here's your updated backend ecosystems roadmap". GigaOM. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  13. ^ James Hughes (23 August, 2012). "Parse StackMob and Kinvey at WAR". CloudSpring. Retrieved 16 October, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
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