Cloud Computing Chapter 02
Cloud Computing Chapter 02
Learning Objectives
Define and describe SaaS. List the advantages and disadvantages of SaaS solutions. Define and describe OpenSaaS. Define and describe mashups. Discuss the wide range of SaaS solutions and their providers.
SaaS Advantages
Eliminate the need for an on-site data center. Eliminate the need for application administration. Allow customers to pay on demand for software use, normally on a per-user basis. Offer application, processor, and data storage scalability. Offer device-independent access to applications. Increase disaster recovery and business continuity.
SaaS Disadvantages
The biggest concern, or potential disadvantage, is that the data, like the applications, reside in the cloud. Many companies are concerned about letting go of their data. Also, because the company does not own the solution, it can be challenging or expensive to customize the application.
OpenSaaS Solutions
An OpenSaaS solution is an SaaS application created using an open-source programming language and designed to run on an open-source operating system and database. Many customers believe that if a solution is open source, it will be easier for them to move the data to a different application in the future if the current solution fails to meet their needs. Because customers do not own the SaaS software, they will not be able to move the application itself.
Understanding Mashups
A collection of services joined to create an overall solution. Mashups can be combined by JavaScript or by a server-based application.
Web Service
A function or subroutine a program can call to accomplish a specific task. When a program running on one computer calls a web service, a message, possibly containing parameter values, is sent across the network (or Internet) to the computer housing the web service. That computer, in turn, performs its processing and normally returns a result to the caller. Some developers refer to web services as remoteprocedure calls.
Facebook: Is It a SaaS?
If you ask 10 cloud experts if Facebook is an SaaS social media site, you will likely get 10 uncommitted maybe answers. Facebook definitely has a variety of SaaS characteristics:
Ability to scale with respect to processor demands and data storage needs No user software to purchase or install Redundant server hardware and data storage Accessibility through a myriad of devices
Key Terms
Chapter Review
Define and describe SaaS. Discuss an SaaS provider for each of the following:
Sales and customer relationship management Accounting Income tax filing Web-based meetings Human resources Payroll processing Backup automation Office document creation Social networking