Software as a Service (SaaS)
A unique cloud computing service that incorporates both IaaS and PaaS service offerings. SaaS is a cloud computing service that provides application-level services tailored to diverse business needs, such as business analytics, CRM, or marketing automation. SaaS is a cloud computing service offering that provides web-based software applications to customers on demand. SaaS providers host a fully-functional application through a browser-based interface and make it accessible to the users through the Internet.
SaaS offerings allow the cloud to be leveraged for software architecture, reducing the overhead of support, maintenance, and operations as the applications run on systems belonging to the vendor. SaaS is the most familiar cloud computing service offering as users most often interact directly with SaaS applications like Netflix, Gmail, JIRA, Dropbox, or Salesforce.
Examples of SaaS Cloud Computing Services:
- SAP Business By Design
- Zoho CRM
- AppDynamics
- Microsoft Office 365
- Pardot Marketing Automation
Features and Benefits of SaaS Cloud Computing Service:
- There is no initial setup cost, as the users can use the application as soon as they subscribe. There is also no hardware cost because the service provider supplies the processing power.
- Flexible payments as the users pay for the services on a pay-as-you-go model.
- Any updates to the software are automatic and free of charge.
- SaaS provides cross-device compatibility because SaaS applications can be accessed through any Internet-enabled device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or desktop.
- Enterprises need not engage an IT expert to download the software on multiple systems in the office nor have to worry about keeping the software up-to-date on every PC.
