What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a Service or SaaS, is a cloud service model. This type of model involves platforms or software hosted by third-party vendors delivering applications over the Internet as a service. The term “As a service” or AaS defines a business model in which IT services are delivered to customers via the Internet. Therefore, users access SaaS over the Internet instead of installing and maintaining software, releasing themselves from complex software and hardware management.

In a SaaS model, the software provider owns and maintains the software, thereby the customer doesn’t need to install any software on their computer. In order to use a SaaS application from any compatible device over the Internet users subscribe and log in to the application.

Since most businesses use cloud-based platforms, there are three main models based on the way of using the cloud for your organization. Such as: IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.

What are the main cloud computing service models?

Three main cloud computing service models cover different extents of IT management – IaaS stands for Infrastructure-as-a-Service, PaaS stands for Platform-as-a-Service and SaaS stands for Software-as-a-Service.

IaaS

Infrastructure-as-a-service contains the basic building blocks for cloud IT and typically provides access to networking features, computers (virtual or on dedicated hardware), and data storage space.

Some examples of IaaS include Rackspace, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine (GCE).

PaaS

Platform-as-a-service allows the user to focus on application deployment and management as it removes the need for managing the underlying infrastructure.

Some examples of PaaS include Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM Cloud, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.

SaaS

Software-as-a-service provides the user with a completed product that is run and managed by the service provider.

Some examples of SaaS include Microsoft Office 365, Slack, ClickUp, Google Workspace apps, HubSpot, Canva, Adobe, Netflix, etc.

What are the advantages of SaaS?

Using a SaaS model can provide various benefits to consumers

• Easy access – With SaaS, there is no need to install software applications on your computer. Everything is available online and all you need to do is to log into your account. As long as you have an Internet connection you can access the software from any device, at any time.
• No need for installation or updates – Since the SaaS provider updates the application continuously, the user does not need to perform this action.
• Flexibility – Customers can choose from a variety of flexible payment plans customized to their specific needs and financial situations. Also, SaaS models allow customers to pay for the product only when they use it.
• Besides the SaaS model can offer free software trials. These are usually between 7, 14, or 30 days in which customers can test a program for free and decide if they want to sign up and pay for a subscription.
• Security – The providers of SaaS service invest heavily in security and have teams of experts dedicated to keeping the systems safe.

What are the disadvantages of SaaS?

Using the SaaS model has also its downbrakes.

• Dependency on the Internet – Without an Internet connection, most SaaS applications are not usable.
• Speed – Since SaaS applications are based on an Internet connection, their speed is important. Slow Internet connections can reduce performance, especially if the cloud servers are accessed from far distances.
• Security risk– Users rely on companies to protect their data. This is why firms must ensure it is safe and cannot be accessed by any unofficial members.

Conclusion

SaaS or Software as a Service allows users to connect to a platform or application over the Internet, usually through a subscription service. This makes it easier for users by removing the task of installing and managing the service on their own computers and devices. Besides the lack of installation and management SaaS model has several other benefits such as easy access, flexibility, free trials, and security.

The post Software as a Service (SaaS) appeared first on AwardSpace.com.

What is open source?

Open source refers to software designed to be easily accessible and improved by anyone through its source code. Most users can’t see the source code, but developers have access to the open source. This access allows them to fix and enhance the application based on their needs. For example, by manipulating the code and changing its functionality, developers can repair the program or application that is not working properly. Furthermore, developers can start their projects and release them as open source.

Examples of some of the open source software (OSS) are GNU/Linux, Mozilla Firefox, VLC media player, SugarCRM, etc.

When a company releases a new product to the public, it must decide whether to create open or closed source. Choosing a closed source means that its source code can be modified only by the organization that developed the product or application. On the other hand, as we mentioned earlier, open source is publicly available for anyone who sees it and can be easily modified. This is its biggest advantage, although some features may cost extra.

Also, there are other benefits of choosing open source.

What are the advantages of open source?

• Opportunity to learn and progress – Open source projects are preferred by many developers. This type of software provides a valuable learning environment and covers a wide range of technologies, programming languages,​​ and tools. Which makes development much easier for developers.
• Cost benefits – Because there is no payment required when using open source software, it allows businesses to assign their software budget elsewhere.
• Community Engagement – Because this type of software is publicly available, it allows developers to create projects and interact with other developers outside of their organizations.

Despite the benefits of using open source software, there are also some risks.

What are the disadvantages of open source?

• Security – Due to the availability of open source software, security can be put at risk by people with malicious intentions.
• Difficult to use – Because designing an app takes a lot of time, effort, and proper skills. Some of the open source applications have smaller teams of designers responsible for the user experience and larger teams of developers. This makes developers the ones who design the app, making it еventually “developer-friendly” instead of user-friendly. Which makes the application difficult to use by the users.
• Lack of support – A product developed through open source software can be modified by many people. When a problem with the functioning of the application or product occurs, the users will not know who to turn to.

Conclusion

Open source refers to making the source code of software programs and platforms accessible to all. The final goal is to improve the programs for the benefit of the users.

The post Open Source appeared first on AwardSpace.com.