Short Definition
A software delivery model where applications are hosted remotely by a provider and accessed via the internet, typically through a subscription service. Examples include Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Slack.
Relevance
SaaS provides software via the cloud, which makes it accessible without expensive hardware. While it’s convenient, users are dependent on the internet and cloud providers, which can lead to outages or security risks. Explaining SaaS helps others understand how to use cloud-based tools, but limitations like subscription costs and data ownership should also be discussed.