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Cloud computing: Introduction to Software as a Service

Date:  07 Oct 2011 (Published 18 Mar 2011) |Level: Introductory ||

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1. Get the basics on Software as a Service

Software as a Service represents the top, or application, layer of the cloud. Applications run in this space and are accessible to users on demand. Learn about the opportunities and challenges presented by SaaS.

Read: Cloud computing service models, Part 3: Software as a ServiceItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: The role of Software as a Service in cloud computingItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Cloud or desktop? Compare and contrast applicationsItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Top 10 tips for writing successful Software as a ServiceItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

2. Explore the attributes and components of Software as a Service

It’s important to understand these four SaaS concepts: Multitenancy: Lets the system deliver an application to multiple client organizations from a single instance of software. Provisioning: The automated process that manages computing resources, configurations, and processes and optimizes availability. Scalability: Lets the system scale storage needs (up and down) which reduces user costs and complexity for the storage provider. Billing module: A set of predefined billing policies, lets the system generate bills from resource usage data.

Read: Convert your web application to a multi-tenant SaaS solutionItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Watch: Software as a Service: Simplified tenant provisioning using IBM entry level middlewareItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Anatomy of a cloud storage infrastructureItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Cloud billing service: An SOA-enabled billing service module for the cloud environmentItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Watch: Software as a Service: Mediation between departmental SaaS consumers and multiple third-party service providersItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

3. Consider the requirements and issues associated with SaaS security

As it is for all cloud service models, security is an important consideration for SaaS applications. Learn about SaaS security and how to mitigate risks to cloud services to ensure high uptime availability and security in a cloud environment.

Read: Cloud services: Mitigate risks, maintain availabilityItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Model-driven cloud securityItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Meeting security requirements of Software as a Service (SaaS) applicationsItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Review and summary of cloud security scenarios: From Cloud Computing Use Cases Whitepaper Version 3.0Item marked not complete - Click to mark complete

4. Extend your SaaS applications with IBM and IBM Ecosystem Partners

Grow the functionality of SaaS applications with tools for collaboration, business analytics, application and resource management, and platform-based integration.

Read: Integrating cloud applications with WebSphere Cast Iron Cloud IntegrationItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Configuring Cognos BI applications for the cloudItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Enable application-centric cloud managementItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete

Read: Build a reusable application showcase with WebSphere CloudBurstItem marked not complete - Click to mark complete




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Topics:

  • Cloud computing
  • Cloud environment and infrastructure
  • Public cloud
  • SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture)
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)

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About this knowledge path

Whether you're an IT professional or a student, you’ll gain insight into Software as a Service (SaaS), the application layer of cloud computing, and the opportunities and challenges presented by SaaS. After completing this path, you will be able to: - Describe the role of SaaS layer of cloud computing- Identify key technologies and approaches relevant to building the application layer of cloud computing - Understand key issues in building and deploying SaaS applications in the cloud - Learn about tools available from IBM that help you extend your SaaS applications.

Activities in this path

  1. Get the basics on Software as a Service
  2. Explore the attributes and components of Software as a Service
  3. Consider the requirements and issues associated with SaaS security
  4. Extend your SaaS applications with IBM and IBM Ecosystem Partners

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