Software as a Service (SaaS)

Recently I took a session in my company on SaaS and Cloud Computing.
Here I am sharing few information about it.

Definition of SaaS
It is a software delivery model in which software and its associated data are hosted centrally (typically in the (Internet) cloud) and are typically accessed by users using a thin client, normally using a web browser over the Internet.

Advantages for Customers

• No Capital Expenditure
• No Software Installation Cost
• No Maintenance Cost
• No Upgrades Headache

All above is done by SaaS Providers

Disadvantages of SaaS

• Security and confidentiality
• Choose ISO 27001-certified, or equivalently trustworthy partnering data center
• Risk of data loss
• Dependence on high speed internet
• Low predictability of cost
• Not all applications have SaaS versions yet
• In many cases SaaS versions may not be as powerful as non-SaaS ones

When to use Saas

• intercompany projects are initiated
• Partners and customers need to be connected within a project
• new software is being tested in pilot projects
• you expect to use new software, unencumbered, straight out of the box
• Your organization lacks an internal IT department

When Not to use Saas

• In-house professional IT support
• highly confidential data
• large number of ongoing projects with many participants
• Continuous customization required

It holds little potential for a project-oriented company with its own IT.