On demand Recently we ran a short series exploring the potential and pitfalls of SaaS (software-as-a-service). The Reg readers rather enjoyed getting stuck into the challenges and the opportunities. So we pulled it together into a two-part compendium for your viewing pleasure.

Part 1 is here – where we look at the primary inhibitor: the idea that, by allowing a third party to provide applications and host the data that those applications generate, the IT department is exposing the business to an elevated level of risk. We examine what those risks are, and evaluate where objections are justified, and where they are not.

Part 2 is here – It looks at SaaS in the context of management strategy and user approval. It also explores the questions of control and implementation. Hosted applications create the possibility that departments can bypass the IT function altogether, and buy, configure and manage a service without integrating it with the wider IT strategy. ®