What is mobile platform as a service (MPaaS)?
Mobile platform as a service (mPaaS) is a specialized type of PaaS designed to provide an integrated development environment (IDE), deployment platform, lifecycle management and analytics for mobile and web applications.
Enterprises often use mPaaS to create custom applications for internal and customer-facing use. This can help support a bring your own device, or BYOD, environment and productivity apps without requiring mobile application developers and extra IT for support for mobile devices.
Like most PaaS offerings, mPaaS isn't a single thing but rather a suite or ecosystem of related tools designed to provide a wide assortment of features and functionalities that can accelerate mobile application development, testing, deployment, management, updating and patching.
How does mPaaS work?
MPaaS is designed to be quick and easy -- often eliminating much of the traditional time-consuming processes involved in software development projects such as mobile application development. Thus, mPaaS typically requires no coding skills. An mPaaS IDE usually features an object-oriented drag-and-drop interface to simplify the development of HTML5 or native apps with direct access to a device's sensors, GPS, accelerometer, camera, microphone and other functions. MPaaS often supports multiple mobile operating systems (OSes).
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What is PaaS? Platform as a service definition and guide
Delivered over the web through a browser, mPaaS can support public cloud, private cloud and on-premises storage. Web apps can be created and connected to back ends with a few lines of code. MPaaS is generally a leased cloud service, with monthly pricing varying according to the number of devices and supported features.
What are the features of mPaaS?
Typical mPaaS products include features that focus on convenience, integration, security and scalability -- some of which are typical of all PaaS products and some that cater to the mobile market. Other categories and key features include the following:
- Cloud database resources. Features include application programming interface connectivity, cloud computing and identity management.
- Strong development suites. Tools include visual interfaces; support for native, hybrid and cross-platform development; and low-code and no-code development environments.
- Cross-platform support. Progressive web apps can be deployed on Android and iOS platforms.
- Enterprise integration. MPaaS integrates with products including Microsoft 365, Oracle and Salesforce.
- Analytics. These platforms provide tools to track usage statistics and user interaction.
- Security. Tools include features for user authentication, such as encryption, single sign-on integration and compliance support.
Some mPaaS platforms also offer AI and machine learning functionality, which enhances user experience (UX), predicts behavior and automates tasks.
What are the advantages of mPaaS?
There are many compelling reasons to use mPaaS for mobile app development. These include the following:
- Easier DevOps and lifecycle management.
- Cross-platform support.
- Quicker path to market.
- Back-end integration.
- Better UX.
- Scalability.
- It's generally less expensive than full in-house development.
Common mPaaS benefits and features
All mPaaS platforms work to simplify, streamline and accelerate the development of software applications by hosting an environment of integrated development tools. MPaaS tools provide an array of benefits, including the following:
- Shorter software development time. MPaaS tools can help software creators shepherd a project from inception through testing to deployment and ongoing analytics. The tool set should forego most coding tasks, eliminate the need to pick and integrate tools in-house and lead to low time-to-value metrics.
- More effective software testing. The IDE should support a range of testing options and scenarios that enable faster and more comprehensive testing. This should yield shorter test cycles, more efficient testing and lower testing costs.
- Easier software deployment. MPaaS should offer varied deployment options, including hosted deployments, which run the software on the mPaaS provider's infrastructure.
- Optimized tools. The tools in an mPaaS suite are all tested and validated to work well together, sharing data and workflow to create a single overarching development experience. Organizations don't need to cobble together disparate development tools in-house.
MPaaS is increasingly used to help organizations quickly prototype applications and validate new ideas or features -- sometimes on the fly -- which can simplify and speed development efforts compared to traditional development paradigms.
What are the drawbacks of mPaaS?
While mPaaS offers numerous benefits, it also presents the following challenges:
- Vendor lock-in. Switching to another vendor can be difficult and expensive.
- Limited customization potential. MPaaS platforms typically do not support complex mobile applications, as many come with predefined configurations that limit customization options.
- Spotty UX. Low-code mobile apps tend not to perform as efficiently as native apps.
- Cloud dependency. A mobile app's UX can suffer if internet connectivity is poor or unavailable. Connectivity problems can disrupt service.
Key considerations for selecting an mPaaS product
Organizations must consider many factors when choosing an mPaaS vendor. This includes everything from the kind of apps planned to the level of coding anticipated to the OS support required. The following are some additional considerations:
- How much development complexity will the planned mobile apps require?
- Will the mobile apps need to integrate with in-house, on-premises systems?
- What connectors will be required, and will the mPaaS tool provide them?
- Does the mPaaS product provide version control? Testing automation? Update and patch management?
- Does the mPaaS product offer metrics and analytics tools? Can it integrate with external analytics tools?
- What are the tool's customization features and limits?
- What is its level of cross-platform support? This is generally present but can vary by vendor.
Examples of mPaaS products, offerings
Typical mPaaS offerings include a range of capabilities and features, such as the following:
- Automated code generation that is stable and optimized.
- Visual, drag-and-drop interfaces.
- Easy reusability of visual building blocks and other code components.
- Security for mobile applications and devices.
- Collaboration mode, so multiple contributors can share the project.
- Message push to ping and engage app users.
- Single-click mobile application deployment to local, private or public cloud.
- Monitoring and analytics to track how the application is used.
Identifying and selecting an mPaaS vendor can be challenging, as not all vendors specifically categorize themselves as such. They might offer mPaaS features without using the designation itself. Examples of mPaaS vendors and their products include the following:
- Alibaba Cloud.
- Back4app.
- Google Firebase.
- IBM Mobile Foundation.
- Mendix.
- Microsoft Power Platform, which includes Power Apps and Azure Mobile Services.
- Oracle Mobile Hub.
- OutSystems.
- SAP Mobile Services
- Temenos Quantum.
Mobile apps are a growing part of any business strategy, so mobile application development is a critical software task. As with most outside product or service providers, it's vital to evaluate and test potential mPaaS platforms and try them in actual proof-of-principle projects before committing to any one platform or provider.
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