Forrester's Platform-As-A-Service Reference Architecture

Increasing customer demand for software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications has already convinced 50% of software vendors to deploy some of their business applications via SaaS. The approach is turning out to be a major technology challenge, as it re-opens the fundamental platform discussion. A new set of functionality in the form of platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings is leading to a new software product and services category. Most offerings are incomplete or confusing today. Forrester's PaaS reference architecture is a tool that helps independent software vendors (ISVs), hosting providers, and middleware vendors judge which offerings will bring them some value — and even what they might contribute on their own to this new market. Middleware vendors that are considering bringing a PaaS technology stack to market can validate the completeness of their offering, which they will need to do to become a recognized player in this emerging market.