What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a Service (SaaS) is an emergent method for delivering software applications to customers over the Internet. Unlike traditional software, which you can download from the Internet and install on your computer at home or in the office, SaaS applications are never actually installed on your local PC.

SaaS takes a software application, just like ePayroll.com.au, and hosts it on a server. End users then access the software by logging onto a secure webpage, all data is saved off site in a secure database, eliminating the need to back up your data regularly and because it's online you can access your application from anywhere in the world.

Software as a Service or On Demand software can be implemented rapidly and eliminates the infrastructure and ongoing costs that traditional applications require. For instance, users of SaaS applications never have to buy upgrades for their software. As the application is stored centrally, the service provider is responsible for all maintenance, upgrades, security patching etc. Take for instance the example of ePayroll.com.au, users pay a subscription fee based on how regularly they use the payroll application. This fee covers the usage of the application, storage of data, maintenance, backups and, best of all, the upgrades.

Where traditional software often becomes outdated or obsolete quite quickly, SaaS users will always be assured that they have the most up to day version of the application running. As soon as an enhancement, upgrade or modification gets developed, it is available to be used.

Click to take a closer look

at Australia's first SaaS Payroll Application.