Software as a Service (SaaS), one of the three primary foundations of cloud computing along with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS), is essentially a browser-based offsite application. SaaS is revolutionizing the way IT departments manage their acquisition, licensing and management of applications.

Traditionally, Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management and other similar proprietary or tailor-made large-scale applications consumes a huge part of an IT department’s resources. Features research, consultant selection/management, product development, product deployment, user training and application maintenance can cripple an organization’s IT department and transform them into a one-trick pony.

In addition, new feature requirements, application flaws and real time user level issues will continually confine the IT department into a reactive fire fighting mode, stifling innovation and preventing an out of the box overview of the firm’s computing vision, requirements and shortcomings. The funding for this also precludes smaller firms from participating in a similar exercise, thus denying them the opportunity to participate in a continuous cycle of operational enhancements, which will consequently prevent their clientele from reaping the benefits of their increased efficiency.



SaaS enables organizations and firms, irrespective of their size and industry, to participate on an equal footing in parallel endeavors. The on-demand, pay-as-you-go utility model eliminates the massive funding barriers requirements at a single stroke. SaaS providers design generic applications with highly configurable properties, allowing instant deployment of the products. Infrastructural, intellectual, support services and grunt work are all provided for offsite, enabling firms to maximize their potential without the cost normally associated with it. This will also redefine the future role of IT departments in organizations, shifting from operational to resource management, facilitating a leaner and more responsive unit. More on Cloud Computing

 

©2010 computing-software.com