Software As A Service (SAAS)

Software as a service (SaaS

Is a software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the Internet

SaaS is one of three main categories of cloud computing, alongside infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS)

SaaS eliminates the need to install and run applications on individual computers. … Gmail is a great example of an SaaS mail provider.

PaaS Platform as a Service The most complex of the three, cloud platform services or “Platform as a Service” (PaaS) deliver computational resources through a platform

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) generally refers to a new and alternative way of accessing software, as opposed to more traditional methods of access.  

 

SaaS normally refers to a subscription based model where the software is hosted in the cloud and accessed via the internet. There are a number of benefits of this to consumers, whether that is individuals using software for private purposes, or businesses.

There are many well-known examples of SaaS, including Office 365, Google Apps, Salesforce, Citrix GoToMeeting, Cisco WebEx and Netflix and many more coming on line

Examples of  How SaaS Can be Used

  • Accounting and invoicing
  • Tracking sales
  • Planning
  • Performance monitoring
  • Communications (including webmail and messaging)

Benefits of SaaS

  1. NO HARDWARE COSTS – Processing power is supplied by the cloud provider
  2. NO INITIAL SETUP COSTS – Applications are ready to use once the user subscribes
  3. PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE – Particularly beneficial when something is only required for a short period
  4. USAGE IS SCALABLE – Additional storage or services can be accessed on demand without needing to install new software and hardware
  5. UPDATES ARE AUTOMATIC – Updates are often free of change and deployed automatically by the software provider
  6. CROSS DEVICE COMPATIBILITY – Applications can be accessed via any internet enabled device, such as desktops, smart phones and tablets
  7. ACCESSIBLE FROM ANY LOCATION – Users aren’t restricted to one location and can access applications from any internet enabled device
  8. APPLICATIONS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED AND WHITE LABELLED – Applications can often be altered to suit the needs and branding of particular customers

Traditional software vs. Software as a Service

Traditional software

  • Users purchase the software upfront as a package and then install it onto their computer
  • Licences may be limited to the number of users and/or devices where the software can be deployed

Software as a Service

  • Users subscribe to the software, usually on a monthly basis, rather than purchase it, meaning no upfront costs
  • Users can usually end their subscription when they no longer require it
  • Applications are updated and used online with files saved in the cloud rather than on individual computers

Cloudcomputingtypes