It seems there’s still a great deal of confusion about the similarities between cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS). ST Consulting uses the terms interchangeably in this opinion piece for AccountingWeb, for instance.
Some examples from that STC article:
+ “Cloud Computing or software as a service (SaaS) is being touted as the pay-as-you-grow solution to the current economic problems.”
+ “Good quality broadband internet provision has made it possible to offer software as a service – or what is now known as the Cloud Computing model.”
+ “The Cloud Computing market is in its infancy. Suddenly organisations that would never normally be at the forefront of technology adoption are rushing headlong into SaaS.”
In my view, this is a big mistake, and only adds to the confusion surrounding cloud computing. I tried to cut through the hype and come to some proper definitions in this recent special report. William Fellows, analyst at The 451, sums it up about as succinctly as anyone when he describes it not as software as a service, but ‘IT as a service’.
Anyone still in any doubt after reading my articles in this special report may perhaps also be interested in a virtual conference all about cloud computing coming up in October – I’m giving the opening address.
Content from our partners
VIBevents are delighted to be launching the industry’s first international virtual cloud adoption event which will bring together the leading CIOs, IT Directors and Cloud Experts to share insights on overcoming the risks and reaping the rewards of migrating to the cloud.
The conference will run live over internet over on October 20th – 21st, with real time Q&A sessions, presentations and an exhibition hall featuring the leading cloud solution providers. Attendees from end user companies can attend free of charge and will be able to log in and out as they please over the time period saving valuable expenditure and time out of the office.
The expert speaker line up at the Cloud Adoption Arena will guide you through everything you need to know to fully understand the opportunities of cloud computing for your business. Attending this event will enable you to overcome uncertainty, mitigate risk and successfully add capacity and service on demand…. All from the comfort of your own computer!
With end-user case studies and conference tracks designed specifically for Start-ups, SME’S, Enterprises and the Public Sector; this virtual event must not be missed.
Our panel of speakers providing end user case studies include, Tesco, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, CBR, Californian Public Utilities Commission, Imperial College London and Telegraph Media Group, see the full line up at www.cloudadoptionarena.com
