Software as a Service | SaaS

SaaS is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a cloud service provider and made available to customers over internet. SaaS is also known as "On-Demand Software".

In SaaS, software and associated data are centrally hosted on the cloud server. SaaS is accessed by users using a thin client via a web browser.

Advantages of SaaS cloud computing layer

1) SaaS is easy to buy

SaaS pricing is based on a monthly fee or annual fee, SaaS allows organizations to access business functionality at a low cost which is less than licensed applications.

Unlike traditional software which is sold as a licensed based with an up-front cost (and often an optional ongoing support fee), SaaS providers generally pricing the applications using a subscription fee, most commonly a monthly or annually fee.

2) Less hardware required for SaaS

The software is hosted remotely, so organizations don't need to invest in additional hardware.

3) Low Maintenance required for SaaS

Software as a service removes the necessity of installation, set-up, and often daily unkeep and maintenance for organizations. Initial set-up cost for SaaS is typically less than the enterprise software. SaaS vendors actually pricing their applications based on some usage parameters, such as number of users using the application. So SaaS does easy to monitor and automatic updates.

4) No special software or hardware versions required

All users will have the same version of software and typically access it through the web browser. SaaS reduces IT support costs by outsourcing hardware and software maintenance and support to the IaaS provider.

Disadvantages of SaaS cloud computing layer

1) Security

Actually data is stored in cloud, so security may be an issue for some users. However, cloud computing is not more secure than in-house deployment. Learn more cloud security.

2) Latency issue

Because the data and application are stored in cloud at a variable distance from the end user, so there is a possibility that there may be more latency while interacting with the application than a local deployment. So, SaaS model is not suitable for applications whose demand response times are in milliseconds.

3) Total Dependency on Internet

Without internet connection, most SaaS applications are not usable.

4) Switching between SaaS vendors is difficult

Switching SaaS vendors involves the difficult and slow task of transferring the very large data files over the Internet and then converting and importing them into another SaaS also.