Cloud Applications (SaaS)

Within this part of the pyramid, users are truly restricted to only what the application is and can do. Some of the notable companies here are the public email providers (Gmail, Hotmail, Quicken Online, etc.). Many Software as a Service (SaaS) providers can be lumped into this group. Most retail consumers use the services within this Cloud layer. A user gets only pre-defined functionality and they cannot go much further than that. Applications are designed for ease of use and GTD (getting things done). SalesForce, a huge Cloud Application/SaaS provider that has led the way for hosted software, falls into this category as well, however, their force.com product does not. Even online banking offerings could be lumped into this group.

Characteristics:

Strengths
- Sometimes free; easy to use; lots of different offerings; easy to access; good consumer adoption; proven business models
Weaknesses
- You can only use the application as far as what it is designed for; no control or knowledge of underlying technology

Company examples:

Gmail
SalesForce