Today, on the Zoho blog there is a great article explaining the benefits of web-based software over installed software. SaaS – “Software as a Service” has evolved over the last few years to incorporate a multitude of applications that for years were only available as expensive and memory-eating installations. Applications like those offered by Zoho, Google, and others could someday eliminate the need for installing publishing software. I encourage you to read the the full article here.

Applications and Implications for Public Educators
The benefits of SaaS for those of use working in public education lies in thrift. Using SaaS cuts down on a teacher’s reliance on installed software which is often expensive and lacking in shelf-life. The providers of SaaS, if they wish to remain viable, are continuously updating their applications. These updates don’t cost the end-user, you, a thing. Furthermore, most SaaS operates equally well in Mac or PC because it operates in the web browser, not the hard drive of the computer. If you’re school district is like the districts I’ve visited, more than likely you have a hodge-podge of computers and operating systems. SaaS is a great way to work around the problems associated with hodge-podge networks.

As a side note- this is the second time in a week that I’ve mentioned Zoho. I am not paid by Zoho, I just think it’s a great product. (Although if anyone from Zoho reads this blog and wants to give me lots of money, I can’t say that I’ll turn them down). The Google products are also good, I’m using one now.