Monday, March 5, 2007

Software as a Service Debate

A recent article was published in Information Week that discusses differing opinions on the best way to deliver SaaS (Software As A Service) applications. The article discusses how some SaaS companies are adopting a more hybrid solution, requiring their customers to download a small client-side application.

Having managed both traditional software and SaaS projects, I find a hybrid solution to be somewhat of a temporary fix. Most clients today either like or dislike the SaaS model. For those who dislike SaaS, the most common issues revolve around security and visibility.

The hybrid solution may solve some user issues, but the SaaS model is still in its infancy. Over time, more people will adopt this model, especially as powerhouses like Google and Microsoft begin to roll out new services.

What do you think?