Public cloud 'software as a service'

Understanding the Public Cloud and SaaS

Public Cloud vendors are responsible for the management and maintenance of the hosting environment including security, data storage and network performance. The defining features of a public cloud solution include high elasticity and scalability for IT-enabled services delivered at a low-cost subscription-based pricing tier.

Gartner estimates 60 percent of organisations will use an external provider’s cloud-managed service offering by 2022 – double the percentage from 2018, according to the research firm.

SaaS utilises the internet (cloud) to deliver applications. With SaaS, the user no longer has to maintain either the physical servers or the cloud-based software application. SaaS applications can be accessed from anywhere with a simple internet connection.

Both Public Cloud and SaaS utilise a subscription model usually a monthly fee based on level of service and number of user licences needed.

In essence, SaaS has led to the development and adoption of public cloud computing. SaaS ‘sits in the cloud.’ SaaS, also known as cloud application services, is the most commonly used option for businesses in the cloud market.

Why to consider SaaS

SaaS is the fastest growing sector of cloud computing. It’s a cost-effective way to have real-time access to software whenever and wherever there is an internet connection.

Corporate IT teams don’t need to manage server maintenance or data storage. Everything can be managed by vendors: applications, runtime, data, middleware, OSes, virtualisation, servers.

Because of the web delivery model, SaaS eliminates the need to install and run applications on individual computers. Multiple users from 10–10,000 can have access to the same software with a simple internet connection. Application updates are pushed out to all users by the SaaS service provider, rather than being the responsibility of internal IT teams.

Popular SaaS applications

The SaaS market is dominated by Microsoft, followed by Salesforce, Adobe and Oracle respectively, according to a recent report by the Synergy Research Group.

Benefits of SaaS delivered over Public Cloud

In addition to the benefits of a SaaS application, the advantages of delivery over the public cloud include:

• No investment required to architect and maintain IT infrastructure
• High scalability and flexibility to meet unpredictable workload demands
• Reduced complexity and requirements on IT expertise as the cloud vendor is responsible to manage the infrastructure
• Flexible pricing options based on different SLA offerings
• The cost agility allows organisations to follow lean growth strategies and focus their investments on innovation projects
• Software development and test environments

MobileCorp cloud SaaS managed service

In addition to the benefits of a SaaS application, the advantages of delivery over the public cloud include:

As a Telstra Platinum Partner, MobileCorp can assist Telstra customers to leverage both their SaaS applications and the public cloud environment through the Telstra Application Marketplace.

Telstra’s Application Marketplace allows customers to receive one bill for most, if not all, services they may wish to purchase.

MobileCorp can help customers with All4Biz funds to leverage them to invest in future state requirements they may not otherwise be able to pursue.