Lawson vs Google vs Microsoft – SaaS Models
You have probably noticed in the last few years that many applicant tracking systems (ATS) have shifted to a “new” web-based model. For those that might not know, this model is referred to as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). I estimate that nearly 95% of all ATSs are designed with the SaaS model. While the idea is nothing new, I’ve been noticing some conflicting perspectives on the future of this model.
Harry Debes, CEO of Lawson Software, made a prediction that SaaS will collapse within the next two years in an article which was cleverly entitled SaaS Market will ‘Collapse’ in Two Years. However, I believe this statement is too bold. Like the web-based technologies before, I believe SaaS is providing the next true foundation for computing. This is just my humble opinion, but I am not along. Google and Microsoft are also betting on SaaS.
Google is offering a great set of applications that you can access through their Documents lineup. The applications are great, and not just because they are free. I started using Google’s Documents because I didn’t like having to send multiple copies back and forth to other folks. I can now share all of the documents and allow specific permissions per user. I guess I should get to the point. All of this is delivered via SaaS, and for everyone that might not have heard…Google is doing okay.
More recently, Microsoft has announced their new cloud computing with Windows Azure. This basically reflects on the SaaS model, yet they refer to it as OS(or Platform)-as-a-Service. However, this is more proof that SaaS foundation will be around for more that two years as predicted by Debes. Microsoft intends to have Azure closer to a production release in 2010. If you would like a simple overview of Azure, I recommend watching Ozzie Paints Windows Azure.
Again, I don’t personally believe SaaS is going to collapse in two years, yet I know that it isn’t that last in a long line of web-based platforms for solution delivery. However, I do believe that it is shifting the approach many companies take when considering solutions.
Filed under: General
Tags: Platforms, SaaS, Software as a Service
