What is Software as a Service?
Even today, the exact definition of software as a service (SaaS) is open to debate, and asking five people would probably result in five different definitions. Still, most experts would probably agree on a few fundamental principles that distinguish SaaS from traditional packaged software on the one hand, and simple websites on the other. Expressed most simply, software as a service can be characterized as follows: “Software deployed as a hosted service and accessed over the Internet.” Take a moment to consider the implications of this definition. It doesn’t prescribe any specific application architecture; it doesn’t say anything about specific technologies or protocols; it doesn’t draw a distinction between business-oriented and consumer-oriented services, or require specific business models. According to this definition, the key distinguishing features of software as a service are where the application code resides, and how they are deployed and accessed. (Is this definition a little
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Hosted software, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) are software applications that are stored or ‘hosted’ and managed on the Internet. They can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection. What’s more, because hosted software products are managed online, suppliers can continually update the product, giving you access to the latest software technology and developments. There’s no lengthy installation process when using hosted software. Simply register for products online, and away you go! This short, 5min video explains the benefits of SaaS products and highlights three of the many that BT offers. See BT’s hosted sofware products.
With Software as a Service – or SaaS – companies use software functions over the Internet, using only a web browser – and pay only a monthly subscription rate. New features and functions are added to the software on a daily basis, with no interruption in service. Companies are no longer burdened with the time-consuming and costly tasks of managing an enterprise-class application infrastructure: no more backups, no more patches, no more software upgrades, no more purchases of additional disk space and CPU power. The SaaS provider takes care of all hardware and software maintenance issues, freeing a company’s IT personnel to focus on high-value business process functions.
