Backend as a Service (BaaS): Is It Right for Your Software Development Project?

Backend as a Service (BaaS) providers operate behind the scenes, offering regular maintenance and management to ensure that backend software components operate as expected. That means software developers can rely on BaaS to cover the virtual machines, server management, or containers needed to keep apps running.

Developers use BaaS services to integrate their needed functionalities without managing the backend themselves. As a result, developers can focus on the code for the front end of their applications, providing significant time savings.

What Is Backend as a Service (BaaS)?

BaaS outsources the backend components of web application development or mobile app development to service providers, enabling software developers to focus on the front end. BaaS is a cloud service model that provides software for database management, hosting, storage, authentication, push notifications, and remote updates. An application programming interface (API) and/or software development kit (SDK) work as a bridge between the front end and the back end. 

Backend as a Service vs. Serverless Computing

BaaS and serverless computing share some commonalities, but they aren’t exactly the same. While both enable developers to outsource backend functionality, the differences are…

1. Serverless computing breaks down functions, each one of which performs individually. BaaS uses server-side functionality specifically designed for the demands of its customers.
2. Functionality in serverless computing is driven by events, and it only occurs when triggered by a specific event. BaaS functions are not event-driven.
3. Serverless computing makes running and managing codes from any device with a connection to the application easy. In contrast, BaaS is not designed to run code from anywhere, depending on the service provider.
4. Scalability in serverless computing typically occurs automatically. BaaS may or may not scale your app automatically, depending on the vendor.

Advantages of a Backend as a Service

Like most outsourced services, the advantages of BaaS are…

• Much faster software development
• More affordable/budget-friendly options
• Fewer developers are required to complete the project
• No need to manage infrastructure

What is MBaaS?

Mobile backend as a service (MBaaS) provides services for backend mobile app development, including database management, security, push notifications, hosting, storage, etc. MBaaS and BaaS are very similar, and many service providers offer both. 

Features of Backend as a Service

Typically, BaaS features include features such as…

• Data storage 
• Database management 
• Email verification 
• Geolocation 
• Hosting
• Push notifications 
• Security
• Social integration
• Updates 
• User authentication

Backend as a Service Provider

You can choose from numerous BaaS and MBaaS vendors. Some of the most popular are…

• 8Base
• Apache Usergrid
• Appcelerator
• AWS Amplify
• Back4App
• Backendless
• built.io 
• Cloudkit
• Couchbase
• Firebase
• IBM Mobile Foundation
• Kii
• Kinvey
• Kumulos
• Kuzzle
• MongoDB Stitch
• Oracle Mobile Hub
• Parse
• Windows Azure Mobile Services

The right BaaS or MBaaS service provider will depend on the needs of your specific project. We recommend working with an experienced software development team to find the ideal vendor for your application.

Why Should You Choose InApp?

InApp’s backend development engineers have the technical experience you need for high-quality applications, including databases, backend logic, APIs, and servers. Learn more about how InApp helps our clients with all their custom software development needs.