WHY “SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE” IS GOING TO DOMINATE THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
Software as a Service (SaaS) epitomizes one of Information Technology’s growing features. As opposed to the Cloud computing perspective, SaaS functions on the same remote element. However, SaaS characteristics differ from Cloud computing traits especially when referring to the management of information in the current times, and in the future. SaaS denotes the use and access of software applications that are dominantly hosted by freestanding service providers using the Cloud computing feature (James Park, 2012).
Most technologically savvy financially oriented companies still have not wholly embraced software as a service concept due to various reasons even though SaaS offers better software capabilities. With SaaS technology, technological outsourcing stands with a decisive comeback unlike the hoary days when the need for novel assets made software outsourcing too expensive. Furthermore, Software as a Service permits such institutions to maintain security and data integrity while using outsourced software services such as ERP and CRM in a private set up, or through a hybrid set up (Charles Møller, 2012).
THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MODEL AS A SERVICE
Cloud computing technology distributes into three representations; Infrastructure (IaaS), Platform (PaaS), and Software (SaaS). IaaS makes available malleable means to allow for the creation, usage, and the management of simulated machines. PaaS avails a means by which high-level systems and software capabilities other than those for virtual machines are required to aid in the support of applications. Finally, SaaS provides users and customers business-based values such profits (JBV Subramanyam, 2014).
Cloud computing also provides further models in the IT world of service delivery. The categorization runs on the area of software usage on a business point of view. The groups run on the basis of global, enterprise, and regional. The Enterprise category on the cloud technology own machines that host and run softwares within the business premises. The global group bids cloud services to the public population. The services that aid in running softwares get used in various data centers all over the world on platforms such as Amazon, Google, and even Microsoft platforms. On the other hand, the regional classification functions on regional based data center areas, and they permit cloud computing software services to the areas of a particular region, belonging to a particular data center section (Natarajan Meghanathan, 2012). A combination of the three Cloud computing technologies forms a shape or basis for which information management gets by currently and for the future needs since all categories matter to all companies investing in Information Technology and IT related services (Jr, 2009).
At present, most providers of IT products and services take into consideration all cloud computing components but with a less concentration in SaaS as it majorly embraces minimum usage capabilities, thus, most usage in small and medium business organizations (Charles Møller, 2012). However, SaaS contains more room to allow for improvement and advancement to accommodate large business organization networks (James Park, 2012). Global categorization minimizes the usage of SaaS on a pronounced network level with superior data hubs. With an allowance for regional capabilities, SaaS holds the capability to advance the knowledge management world. Additionally, platforms such as Google and Microsoft that purpose as Cloud computing purveyors have majorly put an auxiliary attention on IaaS hence positioning the global data hubs as a disadvantage to SaaS development. Global cloud technology vendors opt to concentrate more on IaaS and PaaS services that most regional and enterprise platforms prefer thus diminishing the SaaS platform (Jr, 2009). But with added usage and equal opportunistic values accorded to SaaS, the Software as a Service technology offers a promising view towards achieving success potentials in information management.
Vendor Credibility
When it comes to the choice of cloud vendors, organizations should sort out the following characteristics that enable the delivery of quality services. Firstly, the seller ought to have proof of federal authentication permits. The permits aid in the delegation of authentication capabilities to an organization that requires SaaS usage (Charles Møller, 2012).
Secondly, in the case of private cloud services, the vendor ought to have user-centric authentication capabilities such as open IDs for all users so as to minimize storage spaces for the more important information. Self-service passwords that enable users to change offer easier validation capabilities thus more security to the software application usage. Additionally, one-time passwords can permit laid-back risk management and thus records integrity thus enabling the usage of SaaS on a large scale basis in the coming years.
Another important vendor characteristic for Software as a Service application should take into consideration the need for enterprise administration proficiencies. The proficiencies assure the user that the information developed via SaaS and the data stored in the cloud platform are safely stored yet easily available to only the authorized personnel.
A SaaS provider needs to convince potential users of data and information security and integrity as all business organizations tend to back down from SaaS usage and cloud computing technology due to security matters. When a guarantee gets the forefront in the SaaS world, more companies face a more advanced way of managing information and as a result a favorable view of SaaS usage in the years to come (Charles Møller, 2012).
GAINS OF USING SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE
Software as a Service provides profitable benefits to the institutions using the technology in terms of monetary value, and better services. One of the main advantages enabling the use of SaaS in the future of information management relates to security (Divyakant Agrawal, 2011).
In the present technological era, security matters reign supreme as countless societies agonize all classes of security related offences in a rapid manner. Software as a Service in conjunction with Cloud computing technology provides guaranteed form of protection for companies. Many organizations requisite guaranteed security services to safeguard data, customer particulars, information, and business details. With the usage of SaaS, businesses lose the constant threats relating to security breaches as all confidential information gets kept at secure offshore destinations (Athman Bouguettaya, 2011).
Secondly, SaaS offers another promising trend in the current world of software applications, vendor compatibility. When using Software as a Service applications, different and also multiple vendors can incorporate multiple services under one application without experiencing compatibility issues. Information management systems often encounter vendor compatibility issues (Divyakant Agrawal, 2011).
Thirdly, SaaS provides flexibility especially for companies with limited IT resources. The SaaS flexibility mostly applies to the small and mid-sized segments and for such reasons, Software as a Service offers the potential to prosper in the future. Additionally, SaaS provides a demand that is currently on a soft stage but it shows growth potentials in the future (Charles Møller, 2012).
SERVICE AS A FACTOR COMPANIES
Numerous different companies in the software business concerned with information management pave the way for the future usage of Software as a Service. The various categories include Application Service Providers, Web-native Applications, and Web Hosting Services Applications.
Web Hosted Service Applications
Hosted web service applications consist of web-oriented software modules that are personally described. Since the segment still is in the development stages, no single model exists but services can function on a standalone technique, or on an external/outsourced basis. Just as SaaS, the sector faces advancement if chances get availed.
Application Service Providers
It stands as the most recognized software as a service dealer in the market. The ASP factor functions mutually as a host and a data hub for software applications. However, hosting fees and licenses, including subscription fees get periodically paid (Jr, 2009). An ASP works on a one to many ratios thus making it a global, enterprise, and regional cloud computing component.
Web-Native Applications
Web-native applications are business owned softwares that are mainly delivered and deployed on an internet basis. The services are fairly priced, and the services are designed to accomplish specific set commercial tasks. Like ASP applications, Web-native applications also have licensing fees and hosting fees (Jr, 2009). Additionally, it also works on a one to many ratios.
In conclusion, Information management endures continuous enhancement on a regular basis. SaaS presents a platform with capabilities to offer better information management features. Additionally, SaaS offers both internal and external busi