CPaaS
Communications platform as a service — infrastructure vendors selling raw messaging and voice APIs, as distinct from application platforms that provide an inbox and campaign tools on top.
One term from the WhatsApp Business Platform glossary. Last updated 2026-07-25.
A CPaaS vendor sells the pipe: an API to send a WhatsApp message, an SMS, or place a call, typically priced per message with volume tiers. What it does not provide is the software a non-technical team needs to actually run conversations.
The distinction matters when comparing quotes. A CPaaS per-message rate looks cheaper than an application platform's subscription until you account for building and maintaining the inbox, campaign tooling and automation the subscription already includes.
Related terms
- Business Solution Provider (BSP)
- A company authorised by Meta to provide access to the WhatsApp Business Platform. A BSP handles number onboarding, message delivery and billing, while the WhatsApp Business Account itself stays owned by your business.
- Shared inbox
- One WhatsApp inbox worked by a whole team, with assignment so each conversation has a clear owner and presence indicators so two agents do not answer the same customer.
- WhatsApp Cloud API
- Meta's own hosted version of the WhatsApp Business Platform. Meta runs the servers, so a business connects through a provider without hosting any messaging infrastructure itself.
See CPaaS in a real workspace
BotPulsar runs the official WhatsApp Business Platform with unlimited team members on every plan, starting at ₹300/month.