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
