Mobile devices now outnumber people, with smartphones and tablets being a necessity to many. They are used for work, socializing, shopping, etc. Everyone has that friend that is constantly showing them their newest App. There are millions of applications that cover a variety of uses. Some are fun and others productive but they have much more to offer.
Hosted Applications can take complete software programs and make them available from any device through a web browser. Hosting companies are able to offer software through a monthly subscription basis. This is an affordable option that appeals to many as it allows the purchaser to use a full version of the software without the upfront cost. This type of Hosted Application is called Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS has many benefits to the user that go beyond cost and access. The hosting company manages the software application and installs all updates and patches for the customer. This reduces the need for onsite IT to manage all the software that a company requires on a daily basis. This is especially beneficial to smaller businesses that may not have the resources to hire IT staff, as well as companies that don’t want the headache of managing their own technological architecture
The simplicity of App usage will open software up to a vast new customer base. SaaS benefits both the vendor and customer and promises many advances in the future.
