Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Definition: Provider offers ready-made application for direct use
- Customer manages: Minimal application settings only
- Provider handles:
- Code writing/maintenance
- Updates
- Platform integration
- Automated scaling
- Key aspects:
- Business model based on subscription
- Providers offer services cheaper than self-supported
- Companies reduce IT overhead through outsourcing
- Tradeoff: Companies no longer own their software
- Example: Salesforce
- Integrated platform for business operations
- Replaces spreadsheets, to-do lists, email
- Backed by elastic cloud services
- Scales with company growth
- Tiered pricing based on features