Backend as a Service | Secrets Unlocked

XaaS acronyms are sometimes hard to understand! BaaS could not be different, but I will do my best here to make things easier for you. In simple terms, a BaaS is a middleware that connects servers to the frontend of an application.

In technical terms, a Backend as a Service (also known as BaaS/MBaaS) is a platform that provides cloud infrastructure and automation for backend development. Typically, the application developer focuses on handling frontend development and outsources the management of servers to the BaaS provider.

Besides, the BaaS provides creates additional value for developers by giving access to tools that expedite application development. Some providers also offer pre-built backend code for performing various tasks. A few of the standard features of BaaS include APIs, push notifications, social media integrations, file storage, data management, and lots more. 

What problems does a BaaS solve?

It solves two problems:

• The necessity of coding low-value repeatable backend tasks
• Infrastructure management and scaling

What type of apps can I develop using a BaaS?

Here are some great real-life use cases:

SaaS Apps

1001 Apps is a Mobile Focused e-Commerce provider specialized in building apps for Supermarkets and Convenience Stores. Their SaaS platform supports dozens of clients in the Middle East and runs on a BaaS. Please read the use case here.

Software Development Agencies

Running a software agency is not an easy task! Short deadlines and several concurrent projects running at the same time! Considering this scenario a BaaS can be a very effective solution to accelerate the development process. To know more please read this use case.

Games

Two4Tea is a game development studio from France and scaled their game from no downloads to several million using a BaaS. Read this use case to discover how.

Messaging Apps

Most BaaS companies provide real-time database capabilities that are ideal to create messaging apps. Please check some examples here.

Transportation Apps

This category includes apps that are similar to Uber or any app that requires geolocation features. A BaaS will simplify and speed up the development of this sort of application. Please check an example here.

Other Apps

Here are some more app examples you can create using a backend as a service:

• Food delivery apps
• Social Networks
• Fitness Apps
• Restaurant Apps
• Etc

Why Choose Backend as a Service?

The two main reasons why developers use BaaS is as follows:

• It allows developers to manage and scale cloud infrastructure without hassles.
• Backend coding is faster and simplified with a BaaS.

The Features of Backend as a Service.

Most Backend as a Service gives developers access to features that are useful for developing all kinds of applications.  Some of the common features of BaaS services are listed below:

• Database Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• APIs (GraphQL + REST)
• Infrastructure Management (Security settings, auto-scaling, data backup, DB optimization)
• Email Verification
• Push Notifications
• Access and Management of Server Logs
• Cloud Code Functions
• Geolocation Technology
• User authentication
• Social Integration (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
• CDN and Cache

Advantages of BaaS from a Business Perspective

The increase in productivity is perhaps the most crucial business benefit derived from outsourcing infrastructure and server management.  Also, small and medium businesses have much to benefit through the reduction of recurrent costs.

Saves engineering costs

For instance, a company in the USA who hires a backend engineer would pay about $70k-$90k/year in salaries and benefits. However, with BaaS, the service of a backend developer is not required. More so, only a fraction of this cost would be expended while using  BaaS. 

Faster time to market

Faster time to the market is another unique advantage from the business perspective. The modern business landscape is so dynamic such that slow app rollout could lead to losing critical opportunities to competitors.  Faster time to the market ensures that a business remains competitive. The list of the business benefits of BaaS are listed below:

Infrastructure Outsourcing

Scaling is hard and complex for large workloads! Unless your company has a fully dedicated DevOps team assigned to infrastructure management a BaaS will solve this problem in a much more affordable and competent way.

The Advantages of BaaS From the Technical Perspective

Securing the service of an expert backend developer does not come cheap. So, it would be wise to ask your professional backend developer to focus on developing high-value codes.  You would be wasting valuable resources when your backend developer writes codes for repetitive tasks and boilerplate code.

Secondly, using BaaS allows your team to focus more on creating excellent frontend features for your app users.  A summary of the technical benefits of using BaaS is as follows:

• Concentrate on excellent frontend development
• Access to a standardize the coding environment
• Access to industry-standard security settings and backup procedures
• Negates the need for redundant stack setup
• Boilerplate coding is no longer required
• Backend developer can focus on creating high-value code
• Access to valuable features like authentication, data storage, and search
• Create testing environments and clone apps without hassles

The Disadvantages of BaaS

• It offers lesser flexibility compared to custom coding
• There is no server-level access
• If the platform is closed-source, the vendor would be locked-in

The best use cases for a BaaS

The following scenarios are instances where BaaS would bring immense value to application development projects:

• During the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Enterprise apps which are not mission-critical
• Apps that do not require extensive integrations

The use of BaaS during all of these instances would help save lots of time and money. 

A BaaS is designed for developers

All Backend as a Service platforms are designed for developers. Therefore, a computer user without specialized programming skills cannot use such platforms. More often than not, the users of BaaS platforms fall into the categories below:

• Frontend engineers that have limited skills in backend development
• Backend engineers that want to expedite development assignments
• Developers that prefer to outsource backend development to a third party

The Architecture of BaaS

The logical architecture of backend as a service can be classified into three layers.

Serverless Database Cluster

You cannot see, but databases are there. The first is the foundation layer and consists of the database servers. This layer alone should have at least two servers that replicate data and a backup procedure for the restoration of data when the need arises.  

Serverless Application Cluster

App deployment is completely serverless using a BaaS. The second layer is the application layer, which would have a cluster of servers to process requests from the client app. By using autoscaling technology, the number of servers for an app would fluctuate all through the day based on the demand from app users.  

Load Balancers + CDN

The third layer is the network that connects the application servers to the internet. It also consists of load balancers and Content Delivery Networks to improve performance and reduce latency.

Backend as a Services vs Custom Coding | Which is better?

The answer is, it depends! Here are some variables you should consider when you compare a BaaS vs custom coding:

• What the levels of flexibility you require?
• Do you require server-level access?
• Do you have a DevOps team to manage your infrastructure?
• Time to market is a key factor for you?
• What about GDPR or HIPPA? Are you ready to comply with the requirements?

Answering these questions will help you to determine if a BaaS is suitable your not for your project.

Below are some examples of how a BaaS can benefit you in terms of development.

Example 1: BaaS vs Setting Up your Own Server

Let's consider a scenario where you are developing an application without using backend as a service.  To start such a product, you must have a backend up and running. The responsibility lies on you to create your app backend.  So, you would have to start by getting your server up and running. Here are the possible steps. 

• Access your AWS or any other cloud.
• Go to Instances and create an instance
• Choose an Operating System
• Determine the Instance Size and Type
• Configure the Instance Details
• Determine the number of Instances
• Configure your network
• Put network security in place
• ·Monitor your server 
• Configure other settings like Auto Scaling, IAM, etc
• Add Storage

Once you have your backend configured, you still cannot start coding. You need to install your web server, create your database, set your framework, SDKs, among other tasks. After these steps, you can start writing your codes. These assignments can take between hours to a few days, based on the requirements of the project. 

With a BaaS platform, all these assignments can be accomplished with a few clicks of the mouse.

Example 2: Code a Login Feature

Let's assume you have configured your server, and it is up and running. The next step is to create the first feature for your app, which is Social Login through Facebook. The inexpensive route to create this feature is to outsource to an offshore development company. The average cost of such an assignment is $25/hour. If the task takes an average of 16 hours, it would cost you $400.

On the other hand, the functions within an average BaaS would enable you to configure social login within an hour. That means you would be saving over 93% while creating the social login function. 

Example 3: GDPR Security Settings

The procedure for setting up the GDPR compliance is complicated. It requires lots of experience and engineering time to accomplish the tasks involved. Some of the requirements include setting up Secure Socket Layer to encrypt data in transit, among other complicated conditions.  All these requirements may take up to 100 engineering hours or more to complete.

Given the complexity of GDPR implementation, it would be smart for small and medium projects to simply outsource the tasks to backend companies. Since backend companies have lots of clients on their platform, the cost of implementation would be significantly lower due to the economics of scale.  

On the other hand, implementing GDPR would be cost-intensive for a single company, making the cost of app development overwhelming. Recouping such an investment would be challenging, even if the app is successful. 

The Best Baas Service Providers

Here is a summary with the top 10 BaaS service providers. For a more detailed list please refer to the BaaS Comparison Matrix.

Back4App

Back4App has lots of features that enhance application development. Such features include queries (realtime database), graphQL, push notifications, user management, geo queries, SDK integration, CDN, cache, social login, and many more.

The platform of Back4App is based on opensource technologies, including Parse Server, MongoDB/Postgres, and NodeJS.  Back4App has also added custom enhancements that add more value for developers. Such novel features make room for enhanced performance, user-friendliness, and much more. 

Apart from providing top-notch features for users, Back4app  has a distinctive architecture that enhances performance and reliability. That is why developers on Back4app can scale their apps seamlessly.  

Here are the benefits of using Back4App.

• Simplicity:  The platform is easy to use. You can start coding a simple app within five minutes. 
• Flexibility:  The platform allows users to manage their custom opensource codes so they can customize it to suit their needs.
• Hosting: Users can select from different reliable hosting options that provide serverless features and dedicated instances. 
• CDN: Apps that are hosted on Back4Apps are distributed across the world automatically. Back4App maintains a content delivery network across all regions.
• Supports GraphQL:  Developers on Back4App can use GraphQL for their API. GrphQL is an advanced query language that allows developers to create queries predictably. 
• Technical Support: Back4Apps provides around the clock support that aligns with the budget of users. 

Back4Apps provides a Free Tier for users so they can use it for development purposes and to get acquainted with the platform. The premium plan for development purposes starts at $5/month.

Parse

Parse is an opensource framework that is used by a wide range of developers and enthusiasts.  Parse has over 30k stars and 15 forks on GitHub.  So, users of the platform would enjoy steady support from a vibrant community.  Parse has lots of features that allow developers to make apps faster than before. The platform offers developers valuable tools that include API server module for Node.JS, a dashboard for managing apps, Libraries, SDKs, documentation, and much more. 

Parse was acquired by Facebook, and the platform became the social media giant’s core development platform. However, Facebook shut down Parse in Jan 2017 and released an opensource version instead.  So, developers can either choose a self-hosting option, use a professional Parse hosting service from companies like AWS, Azure, or Digital Ocean. Parse is available for free; however, you would have to pay for the Parse hosting. 

Here are the benefits of using the Parse Framework.

• Data management: Parse allows the developer to store a wide range of data that rages from pictures to query, locations, and much more with simple codes.
• Simplicity: Parse is quite easy to learn and use. It takes just about an hour to learn how to create a new project.
• Flexibility:  Since Parse is opensource, you have the freedom to adapt the code the way you like. This level of flexibility is simply amazing. 
• Custom Coding: Parse offers developers a feature called Cloud Code, which allows developers to use JavaScript to write custom codes. 
• Multiplatform:  Given the sheer number of SDKs out there, Parse can be used for all sorts of development projects ranging from web to mobile and IoT. 
• GraphQL Support; Developers can benefit from the use of GraphQL, an advanced query language that enables coders to create queries with a high level of precision. 

AWS Amplify

AWS Amplify takes the form of an opensource library that integrates seamlessly with Amazon Web Services. Developers can use AWS Amplify to create Android, iOS, Web, and React Native serverless applications that scale quickly.  Some of the platform features include Analytics, Notifications, AR/VR, storage, and APIs.  A free tier is available, while the premium plans are priced based on pay as you go. 

The benefits of AWS Amplify is as follows:

• CDN:  With this platform, the developer can integrate with a content delivery network such as CloudFront easily.
• GraphQL: Developers can leverage a feature called GraphQL Transform to enhance app development procedure.
• Atomic Deployment: With this feature, your app can continue working in a scenario where the construction process crashes on a new release. 

Game Sparks

Game Spark is a backend as a service that is exclusively designed for game development. The platform was established in 2013, and Amazon bought over the company in 2017. The platform has multiple game-specific features such as scalable hosting, live game operations, social multi-players, meta-game economies, and lots more.

The pricing structure of Games Spark is in three categories:

• Free tier for development purposes. 
• Standard Plan starts at $299/mo
• Enterprise Plan would be quoted on request.

The benefits of using Games Spark are as follows:

• Multiple game-related features
• Scalable backend

Firebase

Firebase became an integral part of Google when the search engine giant acquired the company in 2014. It is a closed source development platform that offers developers top-notch features such as analytics, authentication, real-time database, hosting, and lots more.  Firebase provides a free-tier with limited features, while the premium plan starts at $25 per month.

After acquiring the Firebase, Google invested in the redevelopment of the platform to provide solutions in three core areas:

• App Development:  Firebase has a set of tools that are designed to expedite the procedure for app development.  Some of these features include authentication, real-time database, machine learning, storage, and much more. With Cloud Firestore, the developer can perform advanced tasks such as syncing data across multiple devices, structure data, sync data while a device is offline/online, and many more. 
• Analytics: The user can access extensive app analytics that gives an insight that helps in improving the app feature/performance.  Such analytics include performance analytics, Google Analytics, crash reports, and lots more. Firebase also has a test laboratory that allows the developer to run automates tests. 
• Growth: Firebase integrates seamlessly with Admob that allows developers to monetize their app. It also provides tools for messaging, dynamic linking, and A/B testing. 

Here are the benefits of using Firebase:

• Machine Learning: This is a feature that makes Firebase unique among other backend service providers. It gives developers access to APIs for standard machine learning functions such as OCR scanning and face recognition.
• Realtime Database: This kind of database allows developers to sync content across several devices in realtime, as applicable in messaging apps like WhatsApp.
• Monetization: Integration with Admob allows the developer to monetize an app without hassles. 

CloudKit

This is an Apple-owned closed-source platform established in 2015 for the development of native iOS apps. The platform offers developers a native SDK, database, file storage, authentication, and much more. This platform is a data store that is further enhanced with iCloud authentication and also an API. CloudKit allows developers to focus on client-side development. The features of this platform are fewer compared to the other ones discussed in this article. CloudKit charges $100 for every ten req/s.

The primary benefit of CloudKit is the native SDK for iOS that it provides. Such apps run seamlessly on iOS devices and have unfettered access to the device functions and hardware components. Such functions give the app enhanced stability, top-notch design, exceptional performance, and outstanding user experience. 

Kinvey

Kinvey acquired Progress software in 2017, along with its enterprise-focused backend service. Kinvey has features that are parallel to other backend service providers such as database, authentication, push notifications, location services, and much more. Kinvey provides app hosting and operations for platform users.  The free plan is limited to 100 users, while the premium plan starts at $24,000/year.

The benefits of using Kinvey include:

• Outstanding Enterprise Solution:  This platform is best suited for hosting enterprise-level apps such as Salesforce, Workday, Microsoft Active Directory, SAP, and Oracle.
• Top-Notch Tools: Platform users can access top-notch compliance tools and analytics reports. It also supports the creation of HIPAA compliant apps for healthcare institutions. 
• Kinvey offers technical support around the clock.

Backendless

This platform is one of the pioneers of backend services and has been running ever since without venture funding. With backendless, you can choose to run the framework locally or use their online hosting. The hosted version offers a limited free tier while the premium plans start at $15/mo.

The benefits of Backendless:

• Install Locally: The standalone version allows you to install the locally or on any preferred cloud server. 
• Caching Feature: this is a beneficial function available on both the standalone and cloud-hosted versions. 
• All users enjoy 24/7 support

Azure Mobile Apps

Its typical for Microsoft to finds its way into every industry. Just as you would expect, the Silicon Valley company has a backend solution called Azure Mobile Apps. The platform integrates seamlessly with Azure and Xamarin, which is the frontend.

The following are the benefits of using the Azure Mobile Apps platform.

• Security: the platform has enterprise-level security for app development.
• Offline Data Sync: Platform has a feature for creating apps that sync data automatically.
• Active Directory Integration:  This enterprise feature integrates corporate sign-on. 

Kumulos

This platform is designed to suit the needs of software development agencies so that they can develop apps for their customers without hassles. Some of the features include push notifications, analytics, reporting, and app store optimization. Kumulos has three pricing structures designed for Startups, Digital Agencies, and Enterprises.

The Benefits of Kumulos are as follows:

• App Store Optimization: The feature for optimizing an app in the app store is unique to Kumulos.
• Agency Console:  This feature allows software development companies to manage multiple apps in a single administrative interface. 
• Reporting and Diagnosis: Allows the developer to discover issues and take steps to resolve them.

Conclusion

Apps consist of a backend, a frontend, and APIs that links the two together. Backend as a Service (BaaS), also known as Mobile Backend as a Service, enhances app development by automating backend tasks and managing infrastructure. BaaS providers often take care of apps deployment, management, and autoscaling. The main benefits of using backend as a service are the reduction of time to the market, lowering of development costs, and hassle-free infrastructure management. The industry leaders in the BaaS industry are Back4App, AWS Amplify, and Firebase. Most of the backend companies provide top-notch features such as are push notifications, data modeling, user authentication, social integration, among many others.