Software as a Service (SaaS) | Cloud Computing
How and why Ionisis uses SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a primary method of delivery for Ionisis's Information Management Systems. SaaS allows for applications that are both vertically scalable, and horizontally scalable; that are powerful, yet flexible; and when developed by Ionisis, the software relieves the client of most of the burdensome administration, installation, and security tasks.
Ionisis only focuses on SaaS delivery applications. As a result, the entire responsibility of the application's usability and status is on our shoulders. This is one of the reasons that our clients appreciate our systems and our products. Another benefit to using SaaS is that updating the software does not require users to reinstall it, as it is applied immediately.
The difference between SaaS and Cloud Computing
SaaS is synonymously referred to as Cloud Computing, but they are quite distinct when you get down to their finer details. Cloud Computing is when most everything exists on servers accessible from the internet. This applies to both services, and files. As a result of existing on a server, they are accessible from anywhere any time. The distinguishing factor is that this will apply to most aspects of the users needs.
This differs from SaaS, because SaaS is more of a method of delivery for the software, and the software does not necessarily have to exist on the cloud. With SaaS, you pay to use the software, but you cannot buy it. Usually, you pay for software that is continually maintained and updated, as you are typically using a live work in progress, as opposed to downloading it and installing a packaged or versioned product. It is often the case that the software exists entirely on the cloud, but that is not a prerequisite to qualifying as SaaS; it is more of a common trait.