Week 7: Clear on SaaS, DaaS

SaaS (Software as a Service) and DaaS (Data as a Service) are two categories of cloud computing. There is also IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service). Cloud computing is a style of computing where applications are made available through the internet and are accessible across many platforms. Cloud computing is then categorized into SaaS, DaaS, IaaS or PaaS depending on what service is used.

SaaS
Resources available as a software service are categorized into SaaS, where a single application is run through many clients. One of the many benefits to SaaS includes not having to maintain software requirements nor repeat installations. SaaS providers also take care of security and performances since the software application is run through a server, lowering costs for providers and often leaving customers free from licensing.

DaaS
DaaS provides a virtual desktop through the internet and allows its users to have control over data through data centers. The service provider is responsible for storage and backup. Data is provided "on demand", regardless of location.

Differences between SaaS and DaaS

SaaS only provides certain applications over the internet unlike DaaS, which provides desktop capabilities in a bundle of programs. SaaS users should typically backup their own data and provide their own storage since their servers are mostly responsible for security.

Graphic Source: Flickr user AJC1