Every toolset evolves. Archaeological evidence validates the historic progression of and improvements in prehistoric hunting tools over hundreds and thousands of years. Metal ore and heat were combined in ways that gave tools the ability to withstand chipping, breaking or other types of damage. Over time, toolmakers engaged in problem definition, tool creation and improvement. Evolution is a constant.
There is a parallel with communication tools used in enterprises today. As work group managers, we are constantly seeking ways to overcome communication, workflow and process problems. Once we identify a problem we run to the IT staff — the “tools craftsman” of today — to help us solve it. We explain, “I need this data in [...]

The time spent at SaaScon09 last week has only further validated my belief that Software as a Service (SaaS) is not a technology fad, nor is it just one more IT acronym for O’Reilly to fill that last remaining space on your bookshelf.
As I reflect on the many conversations I had, and the feedback I received at SaaScon, I feel more confident than ever that SaaS has become a widely accepted and trusted model that companies are quickly moving towards.
CFOs like SaaS over premised-based solutions because costs savings are paramount: there are no infrastructure costs (i.e. migrate from CAPEX to OPEX). SaaS offers a pay-as-you-go or subscription-based billing models (i.e. pay for what you use). [...]