SaaS

(pronounced: sass)

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a model of software distribution in which applications are hosted by a service provider or vendor and made available to customers over a network, such as the Internet. Known as "service on demand"  SaaS software vendors typically host the application on their own Web servers or download the application to the consumer device (disabling it after the on-demand contract expires). Generally referred to on an enterprise level, the on-demand function may be handled internally to share licenses within a firm or by a third-party application service provider (ASP) sharing licenses between firms. See: cloud computing