Software as a Service (SaaS) (Textbook, Ch. 9): Software hosted in the cloud and accessed through a web browser instead of local installation. Example: Google Docs or Microsoft 365.
Cloud computing (Textbook, Ch. 9): Delivering computing resources over the internet instead of local servers. Example: Writing a paper in Google Docs.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) (Textbook, Ch. 9): A leading cloud platform providing on‑demand computing, storage, and services. Example: Startups renting servers instead of buying hardware.
Service level agreement (SLA) (Textbook, Ch. 9): A contract defining service guarantees such as uptime and support. Example: 99.9% uptime guarantees.
Scalability (Textbook, Ch. 9): The ability of a system to grow without major redesign. Example: Zoom scaling during the pandemic.
Total cost of ownership (TCO) (Textbook, Ch. 9): All costs of using software over time, not just purchase price. Example: Training and support costs.
Consumerization of technology (Textbook, Ch. 9): Consumer tech influencing workplace software expectations. Example: Employees preferring Google Docs at work.
Freemium pricing model (Textbook, Ch. 9): Basic software is free, advanced features require payment. Example: Free vs. paid Zoom plans.
Hardware as a Service (HaaS) / Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) (Textbook, Ch. 9): Cloud services that provide raw computing resources like servers and storage. Example: Renting virtual servers to run custom software.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) (Textbook, Ch. 9): Cloud services providing hardware and development tools for building apps. Example: Developers using Force.com.
Vertical clouds (Textbook, Ch. 9): Cloud services tailored to specific industries and regulations. Example: Healthcare clouds compliant with HIPAA.
Switching costs (Textbook, Ch. 9): Time, money, or effort required to change providers. Example: Difficulty moving massive datasets between clouds.
Cloudbursting (Textbook, Ch. 9): Using public cloud resources during peak demand. Example: Retail sites scaling during Black Friday.
Why do startups choose AWS instead of building data centers?
Why do enterprises pay more for SaaS than free alternatives?
Why do employees use personal cloud tools at work?
What SaaS benefit reduces piracy and update management?
What SaaS risk concerns firms relying on one vendor?