What Is BaaS (Backend as a Service)? Definition and Usage
Backend as a service (BaaS) products handle the basic, repetitive tasks you need for smooth web or mobile applications. They free up time, allowing developers to focus on writing and maintaining the pieces users see and touch.
The BaaS market is huge and growing every year. Plenty of BaaS providers are fighting for your attention and your company's dollars. But should you buy?
Let’s dig into what these products are and how they work so you can make a wise purchasing decision.
What Is BaaS?
Your manager asked you to create an application for your potential customers. You don't have anything like this right now, so you're starting from scratch. Do it without a BaaS, and each task is yours. Hire BaaS providers, and you can push off some of the work.
You'll build the user interface and client-side logic. Your BaaS contractor will provide features such as these:
- Cloud storage
- Database management
- Email verification
- Geolocation
- Hosting
- Push notifications
- Security settings
- Social integration
- Updating
- User authentication
Every app needs these basic pieces to function. Without a BaaS, you must code and create them every time, all by yourself. The time you save by hiring a contractor could be crucial.
For example, an app provider faced significant negative press after a tool it made for the Democratic caucus in Iowa was defective. A BaaS might save you embarrassment like this, as you could spend more time testing and perfecting code before it launches. And you'll be building on technology that hundreds of companies that came before you have already tested.
How Does BaaS Work?
Most tools in the BaaS market run