SaaS, or software as a service, is a cloud model that provides on-demand access to ready-to-use, cloud-hosted application software. SaaS is the best solution for the global franchise, because it can unify its operation worldwide by using the same software platform across different locations and devices. Additionally, SaaS can provide operation reports in real time without asking the country franchise manager for these reports, because the cloud service provider manages the data collection, analysis, and presentation in the cloud. SaaS also offers the benefits of scalability, reliability, security, and cost-effectiveness for the global franchise.
SaaS is different from IaaS, or infrastructure as a service, which provides on-demand access to cloud-hosted computing infrastructure, such as servers, storage, and networking. IaaS is not suitable for the global franchise, because it requires the franchise to manage and maintain its own software applications and data on the cloud infrastructure. IaaS also does not provide operation reports in real time, unless the franchise develops its own reporting tools and processes. SaaS is also different from XaaS, or anything as a service, which is a generic term that encompasses various types of cloud services, such as IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and others. XaaS is not a specific cloud model that the company can suggest to the global franchise, but rather a broad category of cloud offerings. SaaS is also different from PaaS, or platform as a service, which provides on-demand access to a complete, ready-to-use, cloud-hosted platform for developing, running, maintaining, and managing applications. PaaS is not ideal for the global franchise, because it requires the franchise to develop and deploy its own software applications on the cloud platform, which may be more complex and time-consuming than using a ready-made SaaS solution. References = CompTIA Project+ Study Guide: Exam PK0-005, 3rd Edition, Chapter 5: Project Scope Management1; CompTIA Project+ Certification Study Guide, 3rd Edition, Chapter 5: Project Scope Management2; IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS3
