Software Engineering (2160701)

• 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