Port
Still under construction
Following the same idea as Backstage, we have Port, but now as a product offered via SaaS.
Port is an internal developer portal solution that allows you to create engaging developer experiences using the necessary building blocks, according to your stack, developer personas, and culture.
Port is easier to use than Backstage and has a lower learning curve, especially if you already have some familiarity with Backstage.
On the Port website itself, we have a comparison between Port vs Backstage. We can observe that they share more similarities than differences.
What do we have in both?
- Catalog for organization and discovery of internal services.
- Plugins as a way to extend functionality.
- CI/CD integration.
- Documentation
- Security based on policies.
Advantages and Disadvantages​
| PORT | BACKSTAGE |
|---|---|
| SaaS Application | Open Source, but can be SaaS |
| Doesn't Run Locally | Supports various deploy types |
| Easy Setup | Complex Setup and Configuration |
| Lower Learning Curve | Steep Learning Curve |
| Fewer Features | Many Features |
| Less Customizable | Fully Customizable |
| User-Friendly Interface | Less Friendly Interface |
| Many Built-in Features | Few Pre-Built Features |
| Fewer Available Plugins | More Plugins, Larger Community |
| No Coding Required | Requires NodeJS Knowledge |
| Low Maintenance | High Maintenance |
So that's the trade-off: you exchange ease for limitation. Even though Port is paid, Backstage isn't free either, as we need to invest in infrastructure and qualified personnel. The scalability of a SaaS is their responsibility, as is much else. Backstage involves assuming all the risks of scalability, data, security, and high availability. Speaking of high availability, an IDP is a service that if it stops...
Choose Backstage if you prefer total control, have personnel available to maintain it, and want to avoid licensing costs.
Choose Port if you want something quick, managed, and are willing to pay for simplicity.
Port is available for up to 15 people, generally for learning purposes because it's rare for someone to implement an IDP in such a small company.
Demo​
Port offers a demonstration to understand the system a bit.
Installation​
There isn't one, just sign up and access your account. During this process, you'll be asked to follow a brief integration process that includes ingesting your Git repositories into the portal.
At the conclusion of the integration process, Port will create some components for you as examples.