SaaS and cloud computing are similar in that they eliminate program installation and allow easy migration from one program to another. The main difference is control, as the user controls the cloud server but not the SaaS server. Both provide access to software via the internet and allow for easy migration between computers. Cloud computing automatically backs up information, while with SaaS, the user or administrator must manually back up data. Many companies market cloud computing when they are actually selling SaaS.
Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud computing are similar computing concepts. Both eliminate program installation, can run on many machines, even if they are different platforms, and allow users to easily migrate from one program to another. Data backup is a small difference between SaaS and cloud computing, because SaaS doesn’t automatically back up information, but that’s not what really separates the two. The main difference between SaaS and cloud computing is control, because the user does not control the SaaS server, but controls the cloud server.
Both SaaS and cloud computing are designed to give users access to software without having to install it. This is due to the fact that the software program is accessed via the Internet. When a user goes online, logs into the SaaS or cloud server, launches the program and uses it as if it were installed on their computer. In this sense, SaaS and cloud are the same thing.
Another similarity is found in migrating from one computer to another. Normally, when someone moves from one computer to another, that computer might not have the same software installed. With these types of processing, it doesn’t matter if your computer is an older model, a different brand, or even if it doesn’t have the program installed. Almost all computers in 2011 have access to the Internet, so the user can still access online programs.
Many times when a company markets cloud, they are really selling SaaS. This is because many people don’t understand the difference between SaaS and cloud computing, and “cloud computing” has become a marketing buzzword that consumers recognize, whereas SaaS is more for the corporate sector. While there are important similarities between the two systems, there are some differences.
Data backup is the first little difference between SaaS and cloud computing. With SaaS, a backup schedule must be in place or a backup must be performed manually by the user or administrator. Cloud computing will automatically back up all information, so even forgetful users won’t lose important information.
The main difference between SaaS and cloud computing is control. The programs are accessed through the Internet, so a server must be used to hold the programs. In the SaaS scheme, a separate company controls the server, which means it can cancel the service or can mine data in the server without the user’s consent. Cloud computing puts you in control, because you own the server space and no one can legally touch or tamper with your information.
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