Software Engineering (2160701)

BE | Semester-6   Winter-2017 | 11/03/2017

Q5) (c)

Explain Software as a Service (SaaS). Give its applications

  • SaaS (Software as a Service) describes any cloud service where consumers are able to access software applications over the internet
    • Google, Twitter and Facebook are all examples of SaaS, with users able to access the services via any internet enabled device
    • Enterprise users are able to use applications for a range of needs, including accounting and invoicing, tracking sales, planning, performance monitoring and communications
  • SaaS is often referred to as software-on-demand and utilizing it as renting software rather than buying it
  • With traditional software applications you would purchase the software upfront as a package and then install it onto your computer
  • The software’s license may also limit the number of users and/or devices where the software can be deployed
  • Software as a Service users, however, subscribe to the software rather than purchase it, usually on a monthly basis
  • Applications are purchased and used online with files (data files) saved in the cloud rather than on individual computers
  • Office software is the best example of businesses utilizing SaaS
  • Tasks related to accounting, invoicing, sales and planning can all be performed through Software as a Service.
  • The required software can be subscribed via the internet and then accessed online via any computer in the office using a username and password.
  • If needs change they can easily switch to software that better meets their requirements.
  • Everyone who needs access to a particular piece of software can be set up as a user
  • Whether it is one or two people or every employee in a corporation.
 

Benefits of SaaS to organizations and personal users

  • No additional hardware costs
  • No initial setup costs
  • Pay for what you use
  • Usage is scalable
  • Updates are automated
  • Accessible from any location
  • Cross device compatibility
  • Applications can be customized