A Guide to SaaS

You may often wonder what ‘SaaS’ is. Software as a Service (SaaS) is an Internet-based application that allows organizations to access their applications and data from any computer with an Internet connection. Simply put, this type of computing is a way of delivering software and services over the Internet that allows users to access applications, information, and other IT resources from any device with Internet access.

So, how exactly does SaaS work?

• SaaS applications are hosted by the vendor and can be accessed by users over the Internet.
• Users access SaaS apps using a web browser. They do not need to install any software on their devices. Some vendors also offer native mobile apps to facilitate access on smartphones and tablets.
• The applications are stored by the vendor, so users do not need to worry about installing and maintaining the application. They simply log into SaaS using a username and password.

The benefits of using SaaS include:

• Flexibility & accessibility. The vendor hosts these applications for users, so users can access them at any time from anywhere, and do not have to worry about installing or maintaining them.
• Lower costs. Users only pay for what they use with SaaS, there is no long-term cost for them to commit to hosting software.
• Simplicity & ease of use. As the apps are hosted by the vendor, there’s no need to install them on-site or even worry about backups.
• Security. The vendor is responsible for application security and maintenance, users can rest assured they have complete protection.
• Up-to-date software. As the application is hosted on the vendor’s servers, it automatically updates.

As you can probably tell, SaaS is a powerful new way to deliver software. It really simplifies acquiring and using applications, making it easier for users to access the software they need.