Know the Difference Between SAAS and Cloud Computing

A lot might mix up software as a service, aka SAAS, with cloud computing, when in fact these two are distinctly different. SAAS has been around for more or less 10 years. It can be differentiated from cloud computing by its presentation, resource allocation, variation in applicable technique, and differences in technology.

It’s important to understand the difference between software as a service and cloud computing, as without a clear picture incorrect decisions could be made and indeed decision-makers could find themselves assessing the viability of future projects based on incomplete or incorrect knowledge.

Some believe that the original term «software as a service» was penned by the Software and Information Industry back in 2001, in reference to a published white paper. Such term would generally refer to software for business which can be made available on demand, which allows application access minus the complicated licensing across devices needed to gain access to the software. This refers to ‘on demand’ licensing, allowing the software being questioned to be usable when the need arises. Software as a service, or SAAS has been developed and could be similar with browser access, which allows users to gain access to software on demand.

Cloud computing is essentially an evolution of software as a service. The major difference is essentially determined by accessibility and environment. Whereas the software as a service customer is subscribing to a specific service, the cloud computing customer subscribes to the computing environment, which can be scalable and on-demand. A subscriber cab actually gain access to multiple solutions from this, rather than having to look after the solutions from their own data centers. While software as a service can access cloud computing resources as part of this delivery process, the limitations associated with specific software as a service solutions hastened the development of the cloud computing concept. Subscribers have demanded for more than just single applications, but needed real flexibility associated with access to a secure environment like it is their own, minus the headache related to its maintenance.

Since software as a service came around by some time in 2000, a lot of revolution associated to this software has already taken place. Due to the impacts of the most recent recession, executives are looking at ways to save on capitalization and would be more careful when it comes to investments. Moreover, processing power is not very much cheaper than how it was which promises more economic viability for companies if they switch to cloud computing solutions for their data handling needs.

It’s important for decision-makers to understand that they may not be subject to the restrictions that a typical software as a service vendor may impose, when they select cloud computing for their needs. Such applications or solutions could be easily accessible from wherever, which gives it such flexibility for users. True economies would be expected although capital expenditure and major equipment upgrades could be avoided.