What is Software as a Service (SaaS) in Cloud Computing

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SaaS Software as a Service

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) is a type of cloud computing that makes use of an internet browser to offer cloud applications to end users together with all of the underlying IT infrastructure and platforms.

SaaS software may be the perfect solution for large organizations, small businesses, or individuals, SaaS software may be the perfect solution that:

  • Don’t want to be responsible for purchasing or managing platforms, on-premises software, or infrastructure.
  • Prefers less complex cost management via operational costs (OPEX) than capital expense investments (CAPEX).
  • Have difficulties that can be solved with a little adjustment.
  • Be in favor of SaaS software subscription arrangements.

Users may connect to and utilize cloud-based applications through the Internet thanks to the Software as a Service (SaaS).

Email, calendaring, and office tools are common SaaS examples (such as Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Amazon Web Services).

How does SaaS function?

SaaS lowers consumers’ up-front expenses by doing away with the need to buy the software outright or make investments in substantial on premise IT infrastructure investments, as is the case with conventional software. 

However, since internet connection speeds affect service performance, SaaS clients should invest in fast network infrastructure.

Application service providers (ASPs) like Google Docs and Office 365 are examples of the SaaS model, as are business services that provide integrated development environments, e-commerce platforms, and tools for customer relationship management (IDEs).

Software providers often select 1 of 2 prevalent deployment strategies, or perhaps both:

through a public cloud service provider, such as AWS, Azure, or IBM Cloud, which controls the cloud environment in which the SaaS software is housed, or in their own data center.

Multitenant architecture is used by the SaaS model to separate consumer data. Users interact with the program using a web browser, and the SaaS provider handles software updates, bug patches, and other general app maintenance. 

Although SaaS software typically offers complete functionality, it may include bespoke connectivity using application programming interfaces (APIs)—such as REST or SOAP—to link to other features.

The SaaS model allows providers to more easily roll out new services to customers. Most SaaS programs are preconfigured plug-and-play solutions, and the SaaS provider manages everything underlying the app, including

  • Networking, storage, and data center servers are examples of hardware components.
  • Platforms, including operating systems, middleware, and virtualization.
  • Needs for software, such as runtimes, data, and the program itself.

Examples of SaaS (Software as a Service)

Google Calendar

Popular SaaS examples include:

  • Google Workspace
  • Dropbox
  • Salesforce
  • Cisco WebEx
  • Concur SAP
  • GoToMeeting 

Characteristics of SaaS (Software as a Service)

The SaaS model is best understood by comparing it to a bank locker, which safeguards each customer’s privacy while offering a service that is dependable and secure on a large scale.

1. Multiple-tenant architecture

A multitenant architecture where all users and apps share a single, centrally maintained infrastructure and code base.

2. Simple Customization with SaaS

The SaaS model allows users to quickly alter apps to meet their own business processes without having an impact on shared infrastructure.

As a result of the way SaaS is created, these customizations are unique to each organization or user and are constantly kept up to date throughout upgrades.

3. SaaS Superior Access

Accessing data is now easier from any networked device, and it is also simpler to control access rights, keep track of data usage, and guarantee that everyone is viewing the same information at once.

4. SaaS Utilizes Consumer Web

Anyone who is familiar with Facebook or Google will be able to recognize the web interface of typical SaaS programs!

The SaaS model allows for easy customization, making the weeks or months it takes to upgrade conventional company software appear hopelessly antiquated.

SaaS Trends to Watch

hybrid cloud services

Organizations are now creating SaaS integration platforms (or SIPs) to create new SaaS software.

When SaaS goes beyond standalone software capabilities and turns into a platform for mission-critical applications, it is known as the “third wave” in software adoption.

SaaS is one of several cloud computing remedies for enterprise IT problems. Additional “as-a-Service” choices include:

  • Hardware, software, storage, and other infrastructure components are hosted by the provider using Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
  • Software as a Platform (PaaS).
  • The term “everything as a service” (XaaS) refers to a collection of all “aaS” technologies.

These SaaS services often have a per-seat, per-month fee depending on consumption, so a business only needs to pay for what they actually use, which lowers up-front expenses.

Benefits of SaaS for Your Business

Pay is just what you really use as SaaS service scales up and down based on consumption.

Although some SaaS apps need plugins, most may be operated straight from the user’s web browser without the need to download and install any software.

Access to advanced apps as one doesn’t need to buy, install, update, or manage any hardware, middleware, or software to give SaaS applications to consumers.

Get the employees moving quickly as the users may access SaaS programs and data from any Internet-connected computer or mobile device, SaaS makes it simple to “mobilize” the workforce.

The service providers have created SaaS programs that are compatible with many kinds of computers and devices, so businesses don’t need to worry about doing it themselves.

Additionally, one can manage the SaaS security risks that come with mobile computing without bringing particular expertise on board.

The data will be secure no matter what kind of device employee’s use, thanks to a properly picked service provider.

SaaS-enabled cloud service providers like Exabytes offer complete software solutions that you may purchase on a pay-per-use basis.

Customers use an app online, generally through a web browser, and businesses rent the license to use it for their own business.

The data center of the service provider houses all of the supporting infrastructure, middleware, app software, and app data.

In addition to managing the infrastructure and software, a service provider like Exabytes Enterprise Solution can guarantee the app’s uptime, security, and privacy with the right service agreement.

SaaS enables a company to launch an app rapidly and for a modest initial investment.

Get Exabytes eCloud for enterprise business cloud technology services like SaaS for your company’s growth with a team of managed professionals that are available around the clock.

To find out more, contact us now.

Related articles:

What is Platform as a Service (PaaS) in Cloud Computing

What is Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) in Cloud Computing