Geospatial Services as SAAS: Trends and Drivers

Abstract

Software As A Service (SAAS) is a way/means of delivering the functionality of a software over the internet as a service. SaaS applications run on a SaaS providers servers. The provider manages access to the application, including security, availability, and performance.¹ Important aspects such as security, stability and scalability are addressed by the SAAS provider. The concept was fostered by two major developments: (a) Higher bandwidth, greater accessibility and falling rates of internet usage and (b) Open source software movement. Hence SAAS users save on the initial costs, efforts in upscaling and get the service they want at a nominal fee.