MUMBAI, INDIA: Evolution of platform-as-a-service (PaaS) will affect the future of most users and vendors in enterprise software markets, according to Gartner Inc.

"With large and growing vendor investment in PaaS, the market is on the cusp of several years of strategic growth, leading to innovation and likely breakthroughs in technology and business use of all of cloud computing," said Yefim Natis, vice president and distinguished analyst, Gartner. "Users and vendors of enterprise IT software solutions that are not yet engaged with PaaS must begin building expertise in PaaS or face tough challenges from competitors in the coming years."

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PaaS is a core layer of the cloud computing architecture. It is a common reference to the layer of cloud technology architecture that contains all application infrastructure services, which are also known as "middleware" in other contexts. PaaS is the middle layer of the end-to-end software stack in the cloud.

It is the technology that intermediates between the underlying system infrastructure (operating systems, networks, virtualization, storage, etc.) and overlaying application software. The technology services that are part of a full-scope comprehensive PaaS include functionality of application containers (servers), application development tools, database management systems, integration middleware, portal products, business process management suites and others — all offered as a service.

In the Gartner special report, 'PaaS 2012: Tactical Risks and Strategic Rewards', Gartner analysts said 2011 was a pivotal year for the PaaS market. As Gartner predicted last year in the report "PaaS Road Map: A Continent Emerging", the broad vendor adoption in 2011 amounted to a sound industry endorsement of PaaS as an alternative to the traditional middleware deployment models.

In 2012, the PaaS market is at its early stage of growth and does not yet have well-established leaders, best use or business practices or dedicated standards. The adoption of PaaS offerings is still associated with some degree of uncertainty and risk.