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CHAPTER 2
Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a service (SaaS) is a solution model in which a web browser is used to access software that resides, along with the programs and user data, in the cloud. Companies that use SaaS solutions eliminate the need for in-house (data-center-based) applications, administrative support for the applications, and data storage. Because SaaS solutions reside within the cloud, the solutions can easily scale to meet customer needs. Further, most companies can pay for the SaaS solutions on demand—meaning that the companies pay only for the resources they consume, normally on a per-user basis. SaaS solutions exist for a wide range of applications and provide customers with a cost-effective way to get started and an affordable long-term solution.