TechRadar™: Software-As-A-Service, Q1 2014

Nearly 15 years after the appearance of software-as-a-service (SaaS) startups such as salesforce.com, NetSuite, and Google, software-as-a-service is nearing its tipping point. SaaS adoption is poised to surpass the 50% mark within the next 12 months — with adopters using an average of four SaaS solutions (a number that we expect will double in one year's time). With the greater prevalence of SaaS across applications categories, technology sourcing executives must help with researching solutions, piloting and purchasing, and contract negotiations. This report analyzes the maturity, adoption, and potential for business value for SaaS delivery models in key categories of enterprise applications. This report replaces previous versions of our analysis, conducted in 2009 and 2011, and includes an expanded set of categories analyzed and an up-to-date look at SaaS options for enterprise applications buyers.