By IT Brew Staff
less than 3 min read
Definition:
Software-as-a-service, or SaaS, describes a cloud computing service model where applications are hosted by a third party and distributed over the internet. Some common examples of SaaS vendors are Salesforce, Zoom, Dropbox, and Slack.
The benefits of using SaaS software. One of the advantages of the SaaS model is that it is cost-effective because it reduces the need for upfront investments in hardware and is offered through subscription-based pricing or volume-based licensing. It also requires lower maintenance compared to on-premise solutions, and offers businesses flexibility when it comes to scaling up or down.
SaaS providers also update their products on a regular basis, meaning that companies don’t need to go through the laborious process of installing and updating their software on a schedule. Since SaaS products are hosted in the cloud, customers can access them from anywhere with an internet connection, via a variety of devices.
The cons of using SaaS software. Some of the disadvantages associated with the SaaS model are that customers may feel restricted in the ways they can customize an application compared to custom-built software. They also lack control over update cadence or whether the SaaS provider will roll out new features. Vendor lock-in can prevent customers from easily jumping to a new and better product if one arises.
In addition, SaaS customers must trust that the provider is maintaining all necessary cybersecurity measures and protocols; otherwise, their data is at risk if the provider is breached by cyber attackers.
