The software as a service (SaaS) model has matured as a viable strategic alternative to conventional software service options. With SaaS, customers do not own software but instead share a common code base and set of data definitions that clients are unable to modify. Customer-specific configurations and functional extensions are logically separated from the common code, and customers maintain them. Integration is made through common Web services APIs. All customers are running on the same version of the software; SaaS vendors decide and implement new developments and keep all applications on their most current versions. The technical and managerial characteristics of SaaS have important implications for a customer's adoption decision.

We all know by now that the relationship between the parties of an outsourcing contract is paramount to the success of the deal. While there is a fair bit of advice out there, it is mainly process-orientated (e.g., communicate frequently, plan together, have improvement workshops). But what if you genuinely do not like your counterpart on the other side?

This is the second in a series of Executive Updates based on Cutter's most recent SaaS survey. This Update examines why some IT and corporate decision makers are still unwilling to consider or adopt software as a service (SaaS) despite these trends.

During this webinar you'll get insight based on Jeff's experience guiding organizations through SaaS implementations, backed-up by the exclusive market research we've been conducting year after year. Watch Jeff Kaplan and discover the latest SaaS/cloud computing trends and how your organization can benefit from this delivery option.