What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?
Software as a service (or SaaS) is a way of delivering applications
over the Internet—as a service. Instead of installing and maintaining software,
you simply access it via the Internet, freeing yourself from complex software and
hardware management. SaaS applications are sometimes called Web-based software,
on-demand software, or hosted software. Whatever the name, SaaS applications run
on a SaaS provider’s servers. The provider manages access to the application, including
security, availability, and performance.
SaaS customers have no hardware or software to buy, install,
maintain, or update. Access to applications is easy: You just need an Internet connection.
SaaS Characteristics
Multitenant Architecture
A multitenant architecture, in which all users and applications
share a single, common infrastructure and code base that is centrally maintained.
Because SaaS vendor clients are all on the same infrastructure and code base, vendors
can innovate more quickly and save the valuable development time previously spent
on maintaining numerous versions of outdated code.
Easy Customization
The ability for each user to easily customize applications
to fit their business processes without affecting the common infrastructure. Because
of the way SaaS is architected, these customizations are unique to each company
or user and are always preserved through upgrades. That means SaaS providers can
make upgrades more often, with less customer risk and much lower adoption cost.
Better Access
Improved access to data from any networked device while making
it easier to manage privileges, monitor data use, and ensure everyone sees the same
information at the same time.
By NetEDI on August 2, 2010 | Posted in EDI