About SaaS

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a software application delivery model where a software vendor develops a web-native software application and hosts and operates the application for use by its customers over the Internet. Customers pay not for owning the software itself but for using it. They use it through an interface accessible over the internet and the offerings are often written using Web 2.0 and Web Services technologies.

Some key characteristics of SaaS

• web or network-based access
• multi-tenant architecture to permit multiple clients to access the same system
• payment flexibility and advantages over the traditional software model
• external and centrally controlled hosting and management by the service provider

Advantages of SaaS

• access to applications that have been in the past only accessible to large enterprises
• eliminates significant upfront cost associated with on-premise software
• flexibility and choice to better fit requirements when needed
• quick implementation. No complex technical set-up involved
• avoid continuous upgrade cycles whilst getting access to the new functionality immediately
• maintenance is conducted by the service provider and is on the fly as are upgrades