i2SPC.com, is a
SaaS (Software as a Service) product, the new generation of software deployment
technology.
Fast, thorough, reliable
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we expect instant access and on-demand service from our cable providers and e-commerce
retailers so why don‘t the same principles apply to areas of business like supply
chain quality compliance? Now they can. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is used by
31% of Fortune 500 companies with 43% considering SaaS in lieu of traditional perpetual
license and ASP (application service provider) software products. Steve Ballmer,
CEO of Microsoft has stated that 80% of all companies will be using SaaS in 10 years.
Initially, on-premise commercial software, linked to a number of user licenses or
seats was the deployment model utilized by software companies. These are still the
predominant systems in place and are characterized by perpetual licenses with annual
renewal fees.
Though on-premise software and application service provider applications can be
used in conjunction with the Internet, programmers developed a new approach to software
implementation, one harnessing the delivery capabilities of the World Wide Web.
This new approach to software delivery is known as "Software -as -a Service" and
a 2005 IDC Research study forecasts that worldwide spending on SaaS will reach $10.7
billion by 2009.
The benefits of SaaS solutions are far-reaching
and include:
Physical Security
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SaaS applications have the advantage of being deployed on an external server, securely
based in server farms where they are monitored and protected 24 hours a day. These
servers
automatically back up materials and applications, ensuring that even in
the worst situation, information won‘t be compromised or lost. Most are "hardened"
facilities, typically exceeding the protection afforded by in house capabilities.
Transaction Security – 128 bit encryption (same as banks) is implimented using a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) Certificate (Geotrust) located on the web server.
All data / internet traffic is passed through the SSL and the customer can check
SSL is intact 24/7/365.
Ease and Speed of Installation - One of the major roadblocks with on premise and application
specific software is the time required to deploy the solution. The installation
and deployment process can take weeks and turn into months. Conversely, SaaS applications
offer the shortest deployment time, since there‘s a minimal installation process.
Though the program is installed on an offsite server, SaaS solutions still offer
the capabilities that companies look for when adding a new product to their current software solution set.
Bottom-Line Impact
- In general, SaaS programs result in a lower total
cost of
ownership (TCO). SaaS applications have a lower TCO, than on premise software solutions,
allowing companies to reallocate resources from IT support to IT innovations. Rapid
installs also translate into a quicker return on investment, something all companies
are interested in achieving.
Out Performs ASP solutions - ASP generation was merely traditional client-server applications
with HTML front ends
added as an afterthought. These applications were hosted by
third-parties who ordinarily did not have application development expertise, but
were only managing servers. Because the applications were not written as net-native
applications, performance was poor and application updates were no better than self
managed applications.
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