1.3.3. Software as a Service (SaaS)

💡 First Principle: Software as a Service (SaaS) delivers ready-to-use applications over the internet, abstracting all underlying infrastructure and software management from the user.

SaaS is a cloud computing model that provides users with access to ready-to-use software applications over the internet, typically on a subscription basis. The cloud provider manages all underlying infrastructure, software, and maintenance.

Key Characteristics of SaaS:

• Ready-to-use Application: Users simply access and use the software; no installation or setup required.
• Complete Abstraction: The cloud provider manages everything: applications, data, runtime, middleware, operating systems, virtualization, servers, storage, and networking.
• Subscription-based: Typically offered on a monthly or annual subscription fee.
• Accessible Anywhere: Accessible from any device with an internet connection.
• Examples (general cloud context): Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (Salesforce), web-based email (Gmail), collaboration tools (Microsoft 365). While AWS is a cloud provider, its primary offerings are IaaS and PaaS; however, AWS hosts many SaaS applications in its Marketplace.

Scenario: A small business needs a customer relationship management (CRM) system. They don't want to buy servers, install software, or hire IT staff to manage it. They just want to use the CRM application immediately.

Reflection Question: How does Software as a Service (SaaS), by delivering ready-to-use applications over the internet and abstracting all underlying infrastructure and software management, fundamentally simplify software access and reduce IT burden for businesses?