SaaS CIO Checklist

Some things to consider when choosing between an on-demand software-as-a-service application and conventional software.

InformationWeek Staff, Contributor

May 15, 2008

1 Min Read
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There are some things to consider when choosing between an on-demand software-as-a-service application and conventional software.

  • Will the SaaS app require modification of IT or network infrastructure or need special integration?



  • Can I retire redundant IT infrastructure by using the SaaS application?



  • How long will SaaS deployment take vs. software?



  • What training will my IT staff require?



  • Can I redeploy existing staff to other projects with SaaS?



  • How does our end users' application experience compare with SaaS vs. software?



  • How does security of our data compare?



  • What's the operational reliability of SaaS vs. software?



  • How will SaaS affect data backup and disaster recovery?



  • How much will I spend on a SaaS subscription over three years compared with total cost of infrastructure and application ownership and operations for software?



  • What's the level of support I can get with SaaS?



  • How easily can I upgrade or scale each solution?



  • Is the SaaS provider financially stable, and how does its IT and network operational capability com pare with our own?



  • How will SaaS better serve our business?



  • Will business-unit managers, executives, and the board notice any difference with SaaS?

InformationWeek Reports

Beverly Magda is CIO and director of information systems and technology at the Humane Society of the United States.

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