Backend-as-a-Service: definition and benefits for developers

Backend-as-a-Service, or BaaS, is a cloud-based model that allows developers to outsource backend development tasks, enabling them to focus more on the frontend part of the application.

BaaS offers features like hosting, cloud storage, user authentication, and database management.

The decision to use a custom backend, BaaS, or another option, such as a low-code platform, depends on various factors, such as project complexity and requirements. BaaS has limitations related to control, scalability, and vendor lock-in.

However, this model significantly saves time and dev resources, simplifying the backend development process and allowing for rapid app deployment.

To understand backend-as-a-service, one needs to understand the backend in general. In web development, there is a frontend and a backend. 

Apart from understanding the essential parts of the backend, one also needs skills like server-side languages such as Python, PHP, or Ruby, familiarity with database technologies such as SQL and NoSQL, and an understanding of common security and authentication practices. The backend developer also knows how to create RESTful APIs.  
 
These skills, combined with the knowledge of development practices such as version control, documentation, and testing, comprise the essence of backend development. 

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Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) is a platform that allows developers to outsource all backend-related development tasks. 

Backend-as-a-Service functionalities include:

• Hosting  
• Cloud storage 
• User authentication 
• Push notifications 
• Database management  

Some BaaS offer additional functionality; for example,

• Social integrations to link users to their social media profiles 
• Mobile app functionality 
• Native notifications that send alerts even when the user is not active 
• Visual development of workflows and automations 

Database management is a basic backend-as-a-service functionality that allows building web apps with a database. Sometimes, it includes more advanced features, such as schema-less. A schema-less database is a database without a predefined schema, so the data doesn’t need to be in any particular format. These are NoSQL databases, where data is stored as key-value pairs, graph data models, documents, or columns.  

Data can be sorted and filtered if needed. Some BaaS offer data connectors to sync cloud-based data to the data on the machine. 

Backend-as-a-service provides various authentication services. For example, you can create a simple account registration process, set up authentication processes using OAuth 2.0 protocol or implement social logins like Facebook and Google.. Additionally, you can configure logout and password policies.

You can also limit who can access data and services. For example, you can assign admin user rights and configure other user groups to restrict the data they can access. This is done through Access Control Lists (ACLs).

Most BaaS store media files, user uploads, and other data in the cloud. The files can be uploaded, downloaded, and deleted through SDKs or APIs.  

Cloud functions are serverless functions that some BaaS provide. These functions let you automatically run backend code in response to events triggered by background events, HTTP requests, SDK invocation, background server events, and cloud-scheduled executions. The developer’s code (JavaScript, TypeScript, or Python) is stored on the cloud infrastructure and runs in a managed environment. 

Cloud functions extend BaaS's functionality. For example, they can serve as the backend for APIs or perform scheduled tasks, like database cleanups or sending reports. 

BaaS provides user engagement functionality, for example, email marketing. You can set up newsletter subscriptions, segment users, define time to send emails, or create email drip campaigns that are delivered to users' inboxes in a predefined order. 

Hosting is offered as part of the standard BaaS package. The application is hosted in the cloud with services like DNS management, SSL certificates, firewalls, DDoS protection, and GDPR compliance.  

Backend-as-a-service and Serverless are two different services. However, there is some overlap in functionality.  
 
BaaS provides a complete online backend without managing the underlying infrastructure. In serverless computing, developers write code that can be deployed on a serverless platform. The code is event-driven and responds to specific events, such as a file upload. When an event occurs, the serverless platform executes the function.  
 
If multiple events are triggered, the serverless platform will allocate the resources. If there are no events, there are no costs. BaaS applications don’t scale as quickly unless the BaaS offers serverless functionality.  

Mobile backend-as-a-service is a type of BaaS explicitly intended for mobile applications including databases for android apps and iOS. Unlike Backend-as-a-service for web apps, MBaaS offers features such as offline data synchronization, mobile analytics, and SDKs tailored to mobile platforms.

Currently, the types of BaaS include cloud backend as a service, self-hosted BaaS, open-source Baas, and low-code platforms.  

Here are a few of the most popular BaaS:  

The main limitations of BaaS are less control compared to traditional methods and vendor lock-in. Using BaaS means that certain aspects of the application’s infrastructure and technology stack are delegated to a BaaS provider. This ensures simplicity and efficiency, though the direct management of the infrastructure is handed over to the provider. Additionally, the BaaS service can get shut down, and the developer might face data migration tasks to a new system. However, the vendor lock-in risk can be mitigated by choosing an open-source BaaS. 

BaaS is a good choice for simplifying the development process so you can focus on user experience instead. The BaaS serverless functionality means that server resources are allocated without overhead as your user base grows.  

BaaS providers regularly update their platforms to offer new features, fix bugs, and improve security, so you don't need to take care of these development tasks manually. As your app grows and needs more server space, hiring a team to manage the servers and the code can be expensive. Therefore, using BaaS can bring more time and cost benefits than traditional development as your application becomes more substantial. You can also use additional functionality such as email communication and user authorization, which otherwise need to be developed from scratch.  

If you need more control and optimization, then PaaS (Platform-as-a-service) could be an alternative. With PaaS, you can create a more customized solution while automating and optimizing some of the backend development tasks.  

Traditional development might work for those who prefer complete control and customization. However, it is important to consider the increased time and resources required. You'll need a team to maintain the servers and the code.

Once you know which BaaS to use, connecting the front and back end is easy; the two connect via an API, which acts as a messenger that allows your front-end app to communicate with BaaS services.

BaaS provides services that eliminate the need to develop a backend. This facilitates rapid application development, allowing developers to build products faster. You can use BaaS functionality selectively, for example, if you’re wondering how to move your apps to the cloud storage, BaaS can help here. 
 
However, choosing to use BaaS comes with its considerations, including scalability, vendor lock-in, and the need for customization to meet specific requirements. Currently, the choice of BaaS is expanded by other platforms that provide similar services and can be even more effective, such as PaaS and low-code and no-code solutions. The choice depends on various factors, such as project requirements and resources.