Pivotal Cloud Foundry (PCF) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) often cause confusion, but they serve different purposes in cloud computing. Introduced in 2011, PCF is an open-source platform as a service (PaaS) designed to accelerate software development and deployment.
While AWS is an established infrastructure as a service (IaaS), PCF enhances efficiency and scalability, allowing applications to be deployed easily on AWS. This article aims to clarify their differences and help you choose the right solution.S.
Is PCF the Same as AWS?
In short, no, PCF is not the same as AWS. However, there are a few similarities between these two cloud-based platforms. To truly appreciate the uniqueness of these particular products, we’ll need to look at the three models of cloud computing. These include infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS).
Before the development of cloud computing, I.T. infrastructure was primarily physical and on-site. Developers and engineers directly managed the data, servers, applications, and other parts of the technology stack needed to run the enterprise. While this potentially gave the company total control over every aspect of its I.T. infrastructure, it created a bigger problem.
First, the financial investment needed to set up an entirely on-site technological infrastructure was simply too expensive.
Another problem was maintenance. Routine maintenance of on-premise I.T. systems had cost a lot in human resources and financial input. Thus, cloud computing was invented.
PaaS, IaaS, and SaaS are all models that describe a particular use-case of cloud computing. SaaS allows companies and businesses to bypass the conventional route of downloading software to multiple computers.
Now, users can efficiently utilize the resources they need as long as they have a data connection. They can easily log in to their accounts and access the product. Examples of companies that run on this model include Slack, HubSpot, and Dropbox.
PaaS vendors provide software and tools that are needed to build applications. So it only follows the logic that many PaaS users are developers building their products. Just like SaaS, the delivery is also via the internet. PaaS runs on a virtualization technology that allows developers to hit the ground running instead of starting from scratch.
So, companies using PaaS can now focus more on customizing and deploying their unique products rather than tinkering with the system itself. PCF is an example of a PaaS solution.
IaaS, on the other hand, provides businesses with cloud-based alternatives to on-premise infrastructure.
This service helps reduce the cost of doing business, which would have otherwise been incurred if the company had built its own tech assets. AWS is an excellent example of infrastructure as a service platform.
So back to the question: is PCF the same as AWS? Of course not. While both are cloud-based solutions that help businesses save time, money, and other resources, they are different models. As a result, they are suitable for different companies depending on their goals.
How Is PCF Different From AWS?
While there are similarities between these two cloud infrastructure models, PCF is still very different from AWS.
Here are some of the differences:
Operational Control
IaaS setups such as AWS grant engineers and developers more control over how the operating system works. Components of the technological stack such as data, middleware, and run-time are directly under the management of the system administrators.
In contrast, the cloud platform providers control other elements such as virtualization, storage, and network.
On the other hand, PCF is a PaaS model based on cloud abstraction. It allows you to mesh your current cloud requirements without being at the mercy of a single cloud solution provider.
This model enables you to use the most economical provider for your cloud needs without altering your current deployment infrastructure.
Scalability
Achieving scalability with these two models is also very different. Using PCF, allocating more resources to accommodate growing work is the platform’s responsibility.
It does not require any complicated technological know-how or the extensive knowledge of system engineers.
Auto-scaling is the ability of Pivotal Cloud Foundry to increase or decrease the allocation of computing resources based on several predefined specifications called “auto-rules.”
This feature is often called “auto-scaling.” auto-scaling on PCF can be done using the cloud foundry command-line interface or the apps manager user interface.
However, scalability on Amazon Web Services takes a different path, one that requires the use of a V.M. (virtual machine).
Virtual machines allow for remote access to the cloud system. Then you’ll have to install an application run time, add a database and assign a fixed access address. Other steps will include deploying the application, configuration of load balancers, and the service itself.
You can easily infer from the overview above that scaling Amazon Web Services requires more thorough technical expertise. On the other hand, scaling with PCF is much more automated and effortless.
Application Deployment
When deploying applications on either AWS or PFC, you can easily register another difference. Deploying an application on Amazon Web Services also takes the path of first accessing the system with a virtual machine using a key pair, then using AWS management console; CodeDeploy.
You will also have to review the application, create deployment groups and a service role before you get down to deploying your app. After which, you can now verify if your application is live by checking the address in the public DNS field of your browser.
But what would this process look like if you were trying to deploy your application using Pivotal Cloud Foundry?
Well, all you have to do is push your application to the platform. There are two ways to do this using the command CLI function of “cf push.” You can either use the default settings or run it with files and use helper files for your customization.
That’s all you have to do. Thus, Pivotal Cloud Foundry offers greater flexibility and more ease of use. The only things that developers have to be concerned with are the application itself and the attendant data. The system handles all other components of the tech stack.
Does AWS Support Cloud Foundry?
Cloud Foundry is a standalone computing platform that can be used on its own or deployed to other cloud providers like Amazon Web Services.
It can also be hosted on servers like OpenStack or VMware vSphere. There are several ways to run cloud foundry on AWS. One is by setting up Cloud Foundry on AWS using Pivotal Web Services (PWS).
PWS allows you to deploy Cloud Foundry as a web service on AWS. All you need to do is create an account on PWS and create the static files you’ll be using.
You can now deploy your application files to the Cloud Foundry environment, and the platform itself will handle any other low-level configuration that needs to occur.
Another way to deploy Pivotal Cloud Foundry on Amazon Web Services is to use the QuickStart feature. QuickStart automatically handles the deployment process.
AWS CloudFormation templates power quickStart; thus, you can easily tweak it to match your specifications. There are two deployment sizes you can choose from; the first is a starter deployment size that you can add features to later.
The second is a multi-A-Z deployment. Multi A-Z deployment is as close to production-grade as possible. Pivotal Cloud Foundry on AWS allows you to deploy and run your cloud-based applications with PCF providing inbuilt monitoring.
So, yes, Amazon Web Services supports Pivotal Cloud Foundry, and you can use both together for a matchless cloud computing experience.
What is the Advantage of PCF?
There are many advantages of PCF, they include:
More Structured
Pivotal Cloud Foundry has a more structured and opinionated workflow, which is especially important when comparing it to the overwhelming options with AWS. Instead, PCF presents users with a streamlined approach to getting things done.
So, instead of wasting time and resources tinkering around predefined settings, engineers can focus solely on the application development process.
The PCF environment handles the rest. However, this does not mean the system is rigid. PCF still offers you the flexibility to customize the options to match your specific application needs. But then, it allows you to do this while still maintaining the structured framework of the system.
Price Flexibility
Using Pivotal Cloud Foundry, you only pay for what you use. As a result, you can quickly scale down on resources you no longer need. You can also allocate more resources to handle growing business concerns.
PCF can readily handle whatever your business requires. Regardless of whether you’re just starting or you’re trying to scale your business to new heights.
Since PCF runs on a PaaS platform, changing cloud service providers is also not a problem. In fact, this is another benefit of PCF due to it being a “multi cloud” platform.
Multi-Cloud
Pushing apps to deployment and utilizing PCF resources is identical regardless of the cloud service provider you use. Whether you choose to deploy on Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, VMware, or OpenStack, application compatibility is never an issue.
It’s all a matter of personal choice or preference. PCF is a cloud framework that provides an abstraction layer over the individual cloud service provider.
Reduced Probability of Technical Errors
Using PCF can be more likened to riding in a self-driving vehicle. All you need to do is specify the location, and the system does the rest for you.
The PCF platform and system environment handle most technical components, reducing the chances of human errors. The company can now also channel most of its human resources toward getting the product out into the market.
Pivotal Cloud Foundry provides the needed architecture and design required to get a product on track and into distribution without bothering about all the technical requirements. PCF as an IaaS solution offers a more comprehensive and result-oriented approach to enterprise problems.
Fast Application Development and Deployment
Since most components of the technology stack needed to handle the development are available, getting an application into production is faster. There is little to wait for, and developers can do more in the same period.
Application deployment using PCF is stable and fast due to enhanced performance and optimal resources utilization. There is also less coding to do, and the platform is highly available.
Deploying an application of Pivotal Cloud Foundry is as simple as using the command-line interface. There is no need for virtual machines or a complicated onboarding process.
This rapid development and deployment saves time and allows enterprises to meet production cycles faster and on time. With this feature, PCF scores a point over Amazon Web Services.
Conclusion
So, how is PCF different from AWS? Well, PaaS solution models are getting increasingly popular, and PCF continues to be a reliable cloud-based solution for many enterprises.
If you’re concerned about the overwhelming options that come with Amazon Web Services and prefer a more robust experience, Pivotal Cloud Foundry might be for you. PCF provides a more streamlined workflow built on virtualization technology that allows you to do more in less time.