Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud-based software delivery model that allows users to access data and use applications over the internet. The provider hosts the software centrally and is responsible for maintaining the servers, databases and code. Clients pay for the service through a subscription fee, which usually includes maintenance, support and security.
Because SaaS is cloud-based, users can access their data on any device with an internet connection and a web browser. It works across operating systems, including those on smartphones. This also makes setup far simpler, as there is no need to install the software on every computer within a company. Clients also do not need to manage updates, since the vendor can deploy new versions centrally.
Examples of SaaS include email, calendar, communication and office tools. Gmail, Dropbox, Slack and Zendesk are widely used SaaS applications across the world.
