What is SaaS?

SaaS, or software as a service, describes any cloud service where consumers is able to access software applications over The internet. The applications is hosted in "The Cloud" and can being used for a wide range of tasks for both individuals and organisation S. Google, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr all examples of SaaS, with users able to access the services via any internet Enabled device. Enterprise users is able to use applications for a range of needs, including accounting and invoicing, tracking sales, pl Anning, performance monitoring and communications (including webmail and instant messaging).

SaaS is often referred to as software-on-demand and utilising it's akin to renting software rather than buying it. With traditional software applications-would purchase the software upfront as a package and then install it onto your Computer. The software ' s licence 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 is purchased and used online with files saved in the cloud rather than on individual computers.

There is a number of reasons why SaaS was beneficial to organisations and personal users alike:

• No additional hardware costs; The processing power required to run the applications are supplied by the cloud provider.
• No initial setup costs; Applications is ready for use once the user subscribes.
• Pay-for-what-use; If a piece of software is only needed for a limited period then it's only paid for over that period and subscriptions can Usually is halted at any time.
• Usage is scalable; If a user decides they need more storage or additional services, for example, then they can access these on demand without Needing to install new software or hardware.
• Updates are automated; Whenever there is a update it is available online to existing customers, often free of charge. No new software'll be required as it often are with other types of applications and the updates would usually be deployed Automatically by the cloud provider.
• Cross device compatibility; SaaS applications can accessed via any Internet enabled device, which makes it ideal for those who use a number of diff Erent devices, such as internet enabled phones and tablets, and those who don ' t always use the same computer.
• Accessible from any location; Rather than being restricted to installations on individual computers, an application can is accessed from anywhere with a n Internet enabled device.
• Applications can customised and whitelabelled; With some software, customisation are available meaning it can be altered to suit the needs and branding of a particular CU Stomer.

Office Software is the best example of businesses utilising SaaS. Tasks related to accounting, invoicing, sales and planning can all be performed through software as a Service. Businesses wish to use one piece of software, performs all of these tasks or several, each perform different t asks. The required software can be subscribed to 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 being set up as a user, whether it's one or both people or EV Ery employee in a corporation, that employs hundreds.

Summary

• There is no setup costs with SaaS, as there often is with other applications
• SaaS is scalable with upgrades available on demand
• Access to Software as a Service are compatible across all internet enabled devices
• As long as there is an Internet connection, applications was accessible from any location

What is SaaS?