Before the Internet became widely available, software was mostly distributed via physical media such as compact discs (CDs). In order for companies to update software on their computers, they had to purchase CDs containing the updates and download them to their systems. Which was a time-consuming venture for large organizations. But between the 1950s and 1960s time-sharing systems were developed which allowed multiple users to access a single computer at the same time. This time-sharing system represents the roots of the concept that would eventually evolve into Software as a Service (SaaS).
What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?
Software as a Service or SaaS, is a cloud service model. This type of model involves platforms or software hosted by third-party vendors delivering applications over the Internet as a service. The term “As a service” or AaS defines a business model in which IT services are delivered to customers via the Internet. Therefore, users access SaaS over the Internet instead of installing and maintaining software, releasing themselves from complex software and hardware management.
In a SaaS model, the software provider owns and maintains the software, thereby the customer doesn’t need to install any software on their computer. In order to use a SaaS application from any compatible device over the Internet users subscribe and log in to the application.
Since most businesses use cloud-based platforms, there are three main models based on the way of using the cloud for your organization. Such as: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
What are the main cloud computing service models?
Three main cloud computing service models cover different extents of IT management – IaaS stands for Infrastructure-as-a-Service, PaaS stands for Platform-as-a-Service and SaaS stands for Software-as-a-Service.
IaaS
Infrastructure-as-a-service contains the basic building blocks for cloud IT and typically provides access to networking features, computers (virtual or on dedicated hardware), and data storage space.
Some examples of IaaS include Rackspace, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine (GCE).
PaaS
Platform-as-a-service allows the user to focus on application deployment and management as it removes the need for managing the underlying infrastructure.
Some examples of PaaS include Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM Cloud, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.
SaaS
Software-as-a-service provides the user with a completed product that is run and managed by the service provider.
Some examples of SaaS include Microsoft Office 365, Slack, ClickUp, Google Workspace apps, HubSpot, Canva, Adobe, Netflix, etc.
What are the advantages of SaaS?
Using a SaaS model can provide various benefits to consumers
- Easy access – With SaaS, there is no need to install software applications on your computer. Everything is available online and all you need to do is to log into your account. As long as you have an Internet connection you can access the software from any device, at any time.
- No need for installation or updates – Since the SaaS provider updates the application continuously, the user does not need to perform this action.
- Flexibility – Customers can choose from a variety of flexible payment plans customized to their specific needs and financial situations. Also, SaaS models allow customers to pay for the product only when they use it.
- Besides the SaaS model can offer free software trials. These are usually between 7, 14, or 30 days in which customers can test a program for free and decide if they want to sign up and pay for a subscription.
- Security – The providers of SaaS service invest heavily in security and have teams of experts dedicated to keeping the systems safe.
What are the disadvantages of SaaS?
Using the SaaS model has also its downbrakes.
- Dependency on the Internet – Without an Internet connection, most SaaS applications are not usable.
- Speed – Since SaaS applications are based on an Internet connection, their speed is important. Slow Internet connections can reduce performance, especially if the cloud servers are accessed from far distances.
- Security risk– Users rely on companies to protect their data. This is why firms must ensure it is safe and cannot be accessed by any unofficial members.
Conclusion
SaaS or Software as a Service allows users to connect to a platform or application over the Internet, usually through a subscription service. This makes it easier for users by removing the task of installing and managing the service on their own computers and devices. Besides the lack of installation and management SaaS model has several other benefits such as easy access, flexibility, free trials, and security.
