Software as a Service (SaaS) enables individuals to connect to and utilize cloud-based applications over the Internet. Common examples are online email, calendar, and desktop publishing (including Microsoft Office). Companies that offer hosted services allow customers and other organizations to use SaaS applications without purchasing and maintaining expensive on-site hardware or software.
Managed services providers use the infrastructure provided by an external provider that uses software to monitor and secure data. This application layer also delivers app functionality. The architecture of these managed service providers also enables the company to gain access to the cloud services directly from their corporate servers, eliminating the need for an IT department and app developers. A SaaS app is an app that can be hosted on the outside cloud service and accessed by an authorized user. It can be customized and made available to employees for review and download under their own credentials. The cost of running a SaaS app is lower than the costs of maintaining a server and maintaining a software development environment.
An SaaS app may have separate components, including middleware and connectivity appliances. A middleware is a collection of scripts and application programs that work together to deliver business logic, database, and other app functionality to cloud service apps. Infrastructure features a cloud infrastructure consisting of server machines, networking equipment, storage devices, and application software. The architecture of SaaS apps exposes the infrastructure, simplifying troubleshooting and code modifications. With vendor lock-in, the buyer is limited to using the same vendor for the entire lifetime of the software application.
Vulnerability to vulnerabilities is reduced through compartmentalization of the infrastructure. Through compartmentalization, information is protected even when the app being hosted is not running on the company’s actual hardware. Complete separation of infrastructure and programming also allows companies to create customized applications in a cloud service environment.
Software As A Service
Scalability refers to the ability of a program to grow as the company needs it without additional investment. The advantages of cloud infrastructure include: the ability to scale as required; the ability to create specialized infrastructure solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each customer; and easy access to a complete set of tools and applications. Migration costs are eliminated because applications are self-contained. Scalability is achieved through the use of software as a service software applications that are easily upgraded. Since customers require only app versions that are stored on their own infrastructure, there is no need to upgrade infrastructure or programmers. Furthermore, SaaS apps run on highly scalable virtual machines that reduce overhead and software maintenance.
Security is improved through the use of app clouds. Consolidation and operational simplicity are achieved by using a single software stack – applications, back office, and infrastructure. This allows companies to maintain complete control of their data security. Since SaaS is highly scalable, the vendor lock-in associated with software versions can be eliminated.
Customer satisfaction is ensured by eliminating app version obsolescence. Companies have the ability to select the features they want at any time. Complete flexibility includes support for new platforms, customization, security enhancements, and more. Businesses can gain rapid application development and add-on functionality at any time. This eliminates vendor lock-in and enables them to rapidly adapt to changes in their business model.
These are just some of the advantages of using a web-based SaaS application development environment. Companies can rapidly adapt to a fast pace of change through the use of an enterprise SaaS offering. A service provider offering hosted apps provides the foundation for businesses to adopt a web browser based platform which supports the integration of ERP, web services, desktop business process integration, multi-point database, desktop publishing, multi-user access, and social media marketing.