Software as a Service (SaaS) referred to as “on-demand software”, is a software delivery cloud computing system in which software and associated data are centrally hosted in the cloud.  SaaS is typically accessed by consumers using  a client or a web browser.

SaaS has become a favoured delivery system/model for many business applications, including CRM tools, financial accounting tools, collaborative software, HR management, content managment and help desk management to name a small selection.

SaaS has been incorporated into the strategy of all leading enterprise software companies and businesses across the globe.  One of the main selling points for these companies is the potential to reduce IT costs by outsourcing software and hardware and maintenance.  However, Saas is not necessarily cheaper, but a superior solution

According to a Wikipedia Gartner estimate SaaS sales in 2010 reached $10 billion, and were projected to increase to $12.1bn in 2011, up 20.7% from 2010. Gartner estimates that SaaS revenue will double its 2010 numbers by 2015 and reach a protential  $21.3bn.