Software as a service - SaaS

Software as a service (SaaS, typically pronounced [sæs]), sometimes referred to as "software on demand," is software that is deployed over the internet and/or is deployed to run behind a firewall on a local area network or personal computer. With SaaS, a provider licenses an application to customers either as a service on demand, through a subscription, in a "pay-as-you-go" model, or (increasingly) at no charge. This approach to application delivery is part of the utility computing model where all of the technology is in the "cloud" accessed over the Internet as a service.

Advantages

• Pay per use
• Anytime, anywhere accessibility
• Pay as you go
• Instant scalability
• Security
• Reliability
• APIs

SaaS was initially widely deployed for sales force automation and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Now it has become commonplace for many business tasks, including accounting software, computerized billing, ERP software, invoicing, human resource management, financials, content management, collaboration, document management, and service desk management