Software as a Service (SaaS) n SaaS is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider and made available to customers over a network, typically the Internet. n SaaS is becoming an increasingly prevalent delivery model as underlying technologies that support web services and service-oriented architecture (SOA) mature and new developmental approaches, such as Ajax, become popular. n Meanwhile, broadband service has become increasingly available to support user access from more areas around the world. n SaaS is closely related to the ASP (application service provider) and on demand computing software delivery models. n Benefits of the SaaS model include: easier administration, automatic updates and patch management, compatibility since all users will have the same version of software, easier collaboration and global accessibility. n The traditional model of software distribution, in which software is purchased for and installed on personal computers, is sometimes referred to as software as a product. __
