UPSC Prelims 2022 Q33: Science & Technology – Information Technology
With reference to 'Software as a Service (SaaS)', consider the following statements:
1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields.
2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices.
3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS delivers software over the internet; the provider hosts and maintains it, and users pay by subscription.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Buyers can customise the interface and change data fields | Correct | Most SaaS products allow configuration of layouts, fields and workflows |
| 2. Users can access data on mobile devices | Correct | Data is in the cloud, reachable from any device with internet |
| 3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are SaaS | Correct | Web email is a classic SaaS example |
Cloud service models:
| Model | Provider gives | Example |
|---|---|---|
| IaaS | Servers, storage, networks | AWS EC2, Azure VMs |
| PaaS | Platform to build apps | Google App Engine |
| SaaS | Ready-to-use software | Gmail, Outlook, Zoom, Salesforce |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It leaves out web email, a textbook SaaS example.
- (b) Incorrect. It leaves out customisation, which most SaaS products allow.
- (c) Incorrect. It leaves out mobile access, a key SaaS benefit.
- (d) CORRECT. SaaS can be customised, is accessible on mobiles, and includes Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail.
Key point
SaaS = ready software over the internet (Gmail, Outlook, Zoom); configurable, any-device access, subscription-based.
Remember
Web email like Outlook and Yahoo! Mail is Software as a Service.
Common mistakes
- Thinking SaaS cannot be customised; most allow configuration.
- Confusing SaaS with IaaS and PaaS.
- Not recognising web email services as SaaS products.
Exam tip
If you just log in and use it, it is SaaS. If you build on it, it is PaaS; if you rent servers, IaaS.
Sources
- NIST SP 800-145 — The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing
- MeitY — GI Cloud (MeghRaj) initiative