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Cloud Computing · Foundational

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Cloud service model delivering complete applications over the internet; the provider manages everything except user data and access.

Definition

In SaaS the consumer uses a finished application hosted by the provider, usually via a browser or thin client. The provider manages the infrastructure, platform and application itself; the customer remains responsible for its data, user accounts, access permissions and configuration settings.

Example

Microsoft 365, Salesforce and Google Workspace are SaaS offerings.

Exam tip

Even in SaaS the customer is always responsible for data, identities and access management; that responsibility never transfers.

Don't confuse it with

Related terms