SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a cloud computing model where software applications are hosted and managed by a third-party provider and delivered to customers over the internet, typically on a subscription basis. It eliminates the need for users to install, maintain, or update software locally, as the provider handles all infrastructure, security, and updates. Common examples include email services like Gmail, collaboration tools like Slack, and business applications like Salesforce.
Developers should learn SaaS models to build scalable, multi-tenant applications that can serve many customers efficiently from a single codebase, reducing operational overhead and enabling rapid deployment. This is crucial for modern web and mobile apps where users expect seamless access without local installations, such as in e-commerce platforms, CRM systems, or productivity tools. Understanding SaaS also helps in designing for subscription-based revenue models and cloud-native architectures.