What Is Database
What is a telephony platform-as-a-service (PaaS) by Faye McClenahan
What is meant by a telephony platform-as-a-service? Is it for me? When and why would I use it? What are the options?
In cloud computing terms a cloud is made up of three distinct layers – Infrastructure-as-as-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-as-Service (SaaS). Each layer offering different advantages and benefits depending on what you are looking to do.
So what is meant by a PaaS, well it could be an operating system or computer language interpreter that enables bespoke applications to be written and deployed. The main benefits being that you can access ‘tools’ to help write and deploy an application, based on technology owned and managed by someone else.
It isn’t a pre written application that you can tweak, more a service creation environment whereby you have the tools/resources needed to build a particular type of application. A telephony PaaS allows you to write your own telephony application and connect it to the PSTN without having to purchase telephony cards or software.
Does it speak my language?
Cloud computing is all about making things easier and cheaper. It’s no different with a Telephony PaaS. One of the most provocative or disruptive elements that telephony PaaS offerings have brought to the telecoms market, is that telephony application development is no longer a black art, with only a limited number of developers having the skills required to build applications. Now, thanks to the provision of APIs in high level programming languages, just about any developer can get to grips with building IVRs or voicemail – in days, not months.
I can see a telephony PaaS offers some great benefits butâ
