The software industry has undergone a monumental shift over the past decade with the rise of cloud computing and delivery models like software-as-a-service (SaaS). SaaS has transitioned software from on-premise installations to web-based services run centrally by providers and accessed by users over the internet. This has enabled more flexible, scalable and cost-effective software delivery.

Given the popularity of SaaS, it can be tricky to determine if a company truly follows the SaaS model or not. In this article, we analyze 60 major software companies, tools and terminologies across various industries to classify them as SaaS or non-SaaS.

Contents

What is a SaaS?

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a method of software delivery that allows data to be accessed from any device with an internet connection and a web browser. This is in stark contrast to the traditional model of purchasing software and installing it on individual computers. SaaS has gained popularity due to its numerous advantages, including its accessibility, scalability, and affordability.

SaaS is part of the larger concept of cloud computing, along with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). Some notable examples of SaaS companies include Salesforce, Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Google Workspace.

Characteristics of a SaaS

There are several distinguishing characteristics of SaaS:

  1. Web Access: SaaS applications are accessed via the web, meaning users can access them from any device with an internet connection.
  2. Subscription-Based: Unlike traditional software, which often requires a one-time purchase, SaaS operates on a subscription model. Users pay a recurring fee, usually monthly or yearly.
  3. Automatic Updates: With SaaS, the service provider handles all updates and upgrades, eliminating the need for users to download or install software patches.
  4. Scalability: SaaS solutions are highly scalable. If a business needs more storage or additional services, they can scale up their subscription plan.
  5. Data Security: Data is stored in the cloud rather than on individual devices, making it more secure in the event of a device being lost or stolen.

SaaS vs Traditional Software

The shift from traditional software to SaaS has been driven by the numerous benefits that SaaS offers:

  1. Cost: Traditional software requires a significant upfront investment, while SaaS operates on a subscription basis, making it more affordable for many businesses.
  2. Accessibility: With SaaS, users can access their software and data from anywhere, while traditional software is typically tied to a specific device or network.
  3. Maintenance and Updates: Traditional software requires the user to handle updates and maintenance, whereas with SaaS, these are managed by the service provider.
  4. Implementation: Implementing traditional software can be complex and time-consuming. In contrast, SaaS applications are typically straightforward to set up and start using.
  5. Scalability: SaaS solutions can be easily scaled up or down to meet changing business needs, while scaling traditional software often involves purchasing and installing additional licenses or hardware.

List of 65 Companies

Is Amazon a SaaS company?

Amazon is not exclusively a SaaS company, but it does offer SaaS products and services through its subsidiary, Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS provides a wide range of cloud-based services, including computing power, storage, and databases, which can be accessed through an internet connection and a web browser. Some examples of SaaS offerings from AWS include Amazon Connect (a contact center software) and Amazon WorkDocs (a document editing service). AWS also supports other SaaS companies by providing infrastructure and tools for building and deploying SaaS applications.

Is Box a SaaS?

Yes, Box is a SaaS company. It develops and markets cloud-based content management, collaboration, and file-sharing tools for businesses. Box offers a secure platform for managing and sharing content across various devices and users, with seamless integrations to other applications and services.

Is Byju’s a SaaS?

Byju’s is an educational technology company that develops personalized learning programs for K-12 students. While it is not a traditional SaaS company, it does offer a software-based service through its learning platform. Byju’s provides educational materials and resources to students through a subscription model, making it similar to a SaaS company in terms of its delivery method.

Is Databricks a SaaS?

Yes, Databricks is a SaaS company. It offers a unified data-analytics platform for data engineering, machine learning, and collaborative data science. Databricks provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) environment called a workspace, which organizes objects like notebooks, libraries, and experiments, and provides access to data and computational resources. The company also powers the next generation of SaaS applications by helping other software companies build AI-based services.

Is Datadog a SaaS?

Yes, Datadog is a SaaS company. It provides cloud monitoring as a service, offering tools for infrastructure monitoring, application performance monitoring, log management, and security monitoring. Datadog’s platform brings together metrics, traces, and logs to make applications, infrastructure, and third-party services entirely observable.

Is DocuSign a SaaS?

DocuSign is a SaaS company. DocuSign provides electronic signature and agreement management services through a cloud-based platform. Users can create, send, sign, and manage documents electronically, making the process of signing and managing agreements more efficient and secure.

Is Docker a SaaS?

Docker itself is not a SaaS company, but it provides containerization technology that can be used to build and deploy SaaS applications. Docker allows developers to package applications and their dependencies into containers, which can then be deployed and run consistently across various environments. While Docker is not a SaaS company, it plays a significant role in the development and deployment of SaaS applications.

Is Dropbox a SaaS?

Yes, Dropbox is a SaaS company. It offers cloud-based file storage, synchronization, and sharing services. Users can store files in Dropbox and access them from any device, at any time, and from any location. Dropbox also provides collaboration tools, allowing users to work together on documents and projects.

Is Dynamics a SaaS?

Dynamics is likely referring to Microsoft Dynamics 365, which is a suite of business applications offered as a SaaS. Dynamics 365 includes applications for customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and other business functions. These applications can be accessed through an internet connection and a web browser, making Dynamics 365 a SaaS offering.

Is Dynatrace a SaaS?

Yes, Dynatrace is a SaaS company. Dynatrace provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for application performance monitoring, infrastructure monitoring, and digital experience management. The company offers a cloud-based environment with a service level agreement (SLA) that ensures a monthly uptime percentage of at least 99.5%. Dynatrace SaaS environment allows customers to focus on their core business while the company takes care of hosting, support, and updates.

Is Epic a SaaS?

Yes, Epic is a SaaS company, at least partially. Epic Systems is primarily known for its electronic health record (EHR) software, which is used by healthcare organizations worldwide. In 2022, Epic launched Garden Plot, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution specifically designed for independent medical groups. This SaaS offering provides streamlined access to Epic EHR tools, with the company handling hosting, support, and updates, allowing healthcare providers to focus on their patients.

Is Facebook a SaaS?

No, Facebook is not considered a SaaS company. While Facebook does provide software services over the internet, its primary business model is not based on subscription fees for software usage. Instead, Facebook generates revenue through advertising and other consumer-oriented services. SaaS companies typically offer subscription-based software services to businesses, whereas Facebook is a consumer network product.

Is Figma a SaaS?

Yes, Figma is a SaaS company. Figma offers a cloud-based, collaborative design platform that allows users to create, prototype, and collaborate on design projects in real-time. The platform is accessible through a web browser, and users can subscribe to different pricing plans based on their needs. Figma’s business model relies on subscription fees for software usage, which is a characteristic of SaaS companies.

Is Fintech a SaaS?

Fintech is not a SaaS company but rather a term that refers to the intersection of finance and technology. Fintech encompasses a wide range of companies and solutions that leverage technology to improve or innovate financial services. However, many fintech companies do offer SaaS solutions, such as cloud-based platforms for banking, payments, lending, and other financial services. These fintech SaaS companies provide software services on a subscription basis, similar to other SaaS businesses.

Is Firebase a SaaS?

Yes, Firebase is a SaaS company. Firebase, a subsidiary of Google, provides a suite of cloud-based tools and services for app development, including real-time databases, authentication, hosting, and analytics. Firebase offers its services on a subscription basis, with different pricing plans available depending on the features and usage requirements. As a provider of subscription-based software services, Firebase is considered a SaaS company.

Is Gartner a SaaS?

No, Gartner is not a SaaS company. Gartner is a research and advisory firm that provides insights, advice, and tools for businesses in various industries, including information technology, finance, and marketing. While Gartner may provide some software tools as part of its offerings, its primary business model is based on providing research, consulting, and advisory services rather than subscription-based software services.

Is GitHub a SaaS?

Yes, GitHub is a SaaS company. GitHub offers a cloud-based platform for version control, collaboration, and code hosting using Git. The platform allows developers to work together on projects, manage code repositories, and track changes in a centralized location. GitHub provides its services on a subscription basis, with different pricing plans available for individuals and organizations. As a provider of subscription-based software services, GitHub is considered a SaaS company.

Is Gmail a SaaS?

Yes, Gmail is a SaaS product. Gmail is a cloud-based email service provided by Google, which allows users to send and receive emails, manage contacts, and organize their inbox. Gmail is accessible through a web browser or mobile app, and its basic version is available for free. For businesses, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) offers a subscription-based plan that includes Gmail along with other productivity and collaboration tools, such as Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Meet. As a provider of subscription-based software services, Gmail is considered a SaaS product.

Is GoDaddy a SaaS?

Yes, GoDaddy is a SaaS company, at least partially. GoDaddy is primarily known as a domain registrar and web hosting provider. However, the company also offers a range of cloud-based software services, such as website builders, e-commerce platforms, and email marketing tools, on a subscription basis. These software services fall under the SaaS category, making GoDaddy a SaaS company in addition to its domain registration and web hosting services.

Is Google a SaaS?

Google is not solely a SaaS company, but it does offer various SaaS products and services. Google is a technology company that provides a wide range of products and services, including search engine, advertising, cloud computing, and software solutions. Some of its SaaS offerings include Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), which is a suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides. These applications are accessed through a web browser and are managed, maintained, and secured by Google, fitting the definition of SaaS.

Is Google Drive a SaaS?

Yes, Google Drive is a SaaS. It is a cloud-based service that allows users to store, share, and access files and documents from any device with an internet connection. Google Drive provides access to various software functions, such as a word processor, spreadsheet application, and presentation creator, without the need for users to download or install any software on their devices.

Is Guidewire a SaaS?

Guidewire is a company that provides software solutions for the insurance industry. Its cloud-based platform, Guidewire Cloud, is delivered as a Software as a Service (SaaS) application. Guidewire Cloud is a purpose-built SaaS solution based on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is highly optimized for use with Guidewire InsuranceSuite core applications.

Is HubSpot a SaaS?

Yes, HubSpot is a SaaS company. It offers a suite of tools for managing sales, marketing, and customer relationships. HubSpot’s software is centrally hosted, maintained, and updated by the company, and customers access and use the tools via web and mobile browsers.

Is Infosys a SaaS company?

Infosys is not solely a SaaS company, but it does offer SaaS products and services. Infosys is an Indian multinational information technology company that provides business consulting, information technology, and outsourcing services. Infosys helps enterprises modernize their key processes and select the best-fit SaaS products for their businesses or lines of business.

Is Instagram a SaaS?

Instagram is not a SaaS. It is a social media platform owned by Facebook that allows users to share photos and videos, follow other users, and interact with their content. While Instagram is accessed through a web browser or mobile app and is hosted on the cloud, it does not fit the definition of SaaS, as it does not provide a complete software application for a specific business purpose.

Is Jira a SaaS?

Yes, Jira is a SaaS. Jira is a project management and issue tracking software developed by Atlassian. It is available as a cloud-based service (Jira Cloud), which is accessed through a web browser and managed, maintained, and secured by Atlassian. Jira Cloud fits the definition of SaaS, as it provides a complete software application for a specific business purpose.

Is Kubernetes a SaaS?

Kubernetes is not a SaaS. It is an open-source container orchestration platform that automates the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. Kubernetes itself is not a cloud-based software application but can be used in conjunction with cloud platforms and services to manage containerized applications.

Is LinkedIn a SaaS?

LinkedIn is not a SaaS. It is a social networking platform primarily focused on professional networking and career development. While LinkedIn is accessed through a web browser or mobile app and is hosted on the cloud, it does not fit the definition of SaaS, as it does not provide a complete software application for a specific business purpose.

Is Microsoft a SaaS?

Microsoft is not solely a SaaS company, but it does offer various SaaS products and services. Microsoft is a technology company that provides a wide range of products and services, including operating systems, productivity software, cloud computing, and hardware devices. Some of its SaaS offerings include Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), which is a suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. These applications are accessed through a web browser and are managed, maintained, and secured by Microsoft, fitting the definition of SaaS.

Is monday.com a SaaS?

Yes, monday.com is a SaaS company. Monday.com provides a collaboration and productivity tool that allows teams around the world to manage their work better and get more done. As a SaaS company, monday.com offers its services over the internet, and users can access the platform through a web browser without the need to install any software on their devices.

Is NetApp a SaaS?

NetApp offers a SaaS product called NetApp SaaS Backup. This service provides backup and recovery solutions for cloud-based applications, such as Office 365 and Salesforce. NetApp SaaS Backup allows users to protect their data in these applications without the need to manage any hardware or software, as the service is provided over the internet.

Is NetSuite a SaaS?

Yes, NetSuite is a SaaS company. NetSuite provides cloud-based business management software solutions, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Professional Services Automation (PSA). These solutions are delivered over the internet, allowing users to access and use the software without the need for installation or maintenance of hardware and software.

Is Office 365 a SaaS?

Yes, Office 365 is a SaaS product. Office 365 is a subscription-based service that provides access to various Microsoft applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, over the internet. Users can access these applications through a web browser or mobile apps without the need to install any software on their devices.

Is Okta a SaaS?

Yes, Okta is a SaaS company. Okta offers identity and access management solutions for businesses, providing secure access to various applications and services over the internet. Users can access these services through a web browser or app without the need to install any software on their devices.

Is OneDrive a SaaS?

OneDrive can be considered a SaaS product. OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft that allows users to store, sync, and share files over the internet. Users can access OneDrive through a web browser, desktop application, or mobile app without the need to manage any hardware or software.

Is Oracle a SaaS?

Oracle offers a range of SaaS products. Oracle provides cloud-based business applications, including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Human Capital Management (HCM), Customer Experience (CX), and Supply Chain Management (SCM) solutions. These applications are delivered over the internet, allowing users to access and use the software without the need for installation or maintenance of hardware and software.

Is Quickbase a SaaS?

Yes, Quickbase is a SaaS company. Quickbase provides a platform for creating custom business applications that can be accessed and used over the internet. Users can build and manage their applications through a web browser without the need to install any software on their devices.

Is QuickBooks a SaaS?

QuickBooks Online is a SaaS product. QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software that allows users to manage their business finances over the internet. Users can access QuickBooks Online through a web browser or mobile app without the need to install any software on their devices.

Is Salesforce a SaaS?

Yes, Salesforce is a SaaS company. Salesforce provides a range of cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions that allow businesses to manage their sales, marketing, customer service, and other operations over the internet. Users can access Salesforce through a web browser or mobile app without the need to install any software on their devices.

Is SAP a SaaS?

Yes, SAP offers SaaS applications. SAP has re-architected its line of business applications to be cloud-enabled and complemented its own applications with best-in-class public cloud SaaS solutions for the most critical lines of business. There are over 50 market-leading SAP SaaS applications available today that seamlessly integrate with other SAP solutions.

Is ServiceNow a SaaS?

Yes, ServiceNow is a SaaS company. ServiceNow provides cloud-based applications that may be leased on a recurring basis and accessed over the internet. ServiceNow is a platform that offers a wide range of SaaS solutions, including IT service management, IT operations management, IT business management, and more.

Is Snowflake a SaaS?

Yes, Snowflake is a SaaS company. Snowflake provides cloud-based data warehousing solutions that are hosted on third-party cloud software services. Snowflake’s cloud data warehousing solution is a SaaS application that reduces total-cost-of-ownership by eliminating most software maintenance resources and upgrade costs.

Is Squarespace a SaaS?

Yes, Squarespace is a SaaS company. Squarespace offers a website builder platform that is hosted on third-party cloud software services. Squarespace is a tool for creating simple sites and can serve the SaaS space very well.

Is Spotify a SaaS?

Yes, Spotify is a SaaS company. Spotify offers an on-demand music streaming platform to users on a subscription basis. Spotify operates on a subscription-based model, and subscription fees make up the majority of Spotify’s revenue, accounting for 90% of total revenue.

Is TCS a SaaS company?

Yes, TCS offers SaaS solutions. TCS BaNCS Cloud is a plug-and-play, pay-as-you-go, one-stop suite of SaaS products and platforms catering to the end-to-end financial services industry. TCS BaNCS Cloud automates the servicing of all classes of assets across all markets, and is targeted at custodians, broker-dealers, asset managers, and investment and private banks.

Is Twilio a SaaS?

Yes, Twilio is a SaaS company. Twilio is a cloud communications platform that provides building blocks that are used in other technology products. Twilio is a communications platform as a service (CPaaS) that offers application program interfaces (APIs) to integrate communications capabilities like voice, messaging, email, and video directly into software applications.

Is Twitter a SaaS?

No, Twitter is not a SaaS company. Twitter is a social media platform that provides a free service to users. Twitter generates revenue through advertising and data licensing.

Is Uber a SaaS?

Uber is not a pure SaaS company, but it offers SaaS solutions. Uber’s core product involves connecting riders with drivers through a mobile app. However, Uber also offers Uber for Business, a platform that can be considered a SaaS offering. Uber for Business allows companies to manage their transportation expenses and provides a centralized billing system.

Is Udemy a SaaS?

Yes, Udemy is a SaaS company. Udemy is an online learning platform that offers courses on a subscription basis. Udemy operates on a subscription-based model, and subscription fees make up the majority of Udemy’s revenue.

Is Upwork a SaaS?

Yes, Upwork is a SaaS company. It is an online platform that connects freelancers with clients who need their services. Upwork provides a platform for freelancers to create profiles, find work, and get paid. Clients can post job listings, review proposals, and hire freelancers. Upwork also offers tools for project management, time tracking, and invoicing. As a SaaS company, Upwork provides its services through the cloud, allowing users to access the platform from anywhere with an internet connection.

Is Verizon a SaaS?

Verizon is not a SaaS company. However, it does offer software as a service (SaaS)-based enterprise contact center technology solutions. Verizon provides an end-to-end portfolio of premises-based and SaaS-based enterprise contact center technology solutions. This allows businesses to manage their customer interactions through the cloud, providing flexibility and scalability.

Is VMware a SaaS?

Yes, VMware is a SaaS company. VMware provides cloud-based software solutions for businesses. Its products include cloud management, app platform, and end-user computing solutions. VMware also offers cross-cloud services, which allow businesses to manage their apps across any cloud. VMware has transformed its SaaS and subscription services by developing a modern and subscription lifecycle management system1. This system allows businesses to onboard a VMware Cloud service in multiple ways depending on their needs.

Is Wix a SaaS?

Yes, Wix is a SaaS company. Wix is an online platform that enables users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites through the use of online drag and drop tools. Wix provides users with web hosting, domain names, e-commerce, and online marketing solutions. Wix is an example of a SaaS provider that offers cloud-based web hosting platforms that enable users to create websites. In addition, Wix offers a wide range of templates that can be customized to suit the needs of any business or individual.

Is Wix a SaaS company?

Yes, Wix is a SaaS company. Wix is an online platform that enables users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites through the use of online drag and drop tools. Wix provides users with web hosting, domain names, e-commerce, and online marketing solutions. Wix is an example of a SaaS provider that offers cloud-based web hosting platforms that enable users to create websites. In addition, Wix offers a wide range of templates that can be customized to suit the needs of any business or individual.

Is Yahoo a SaaS?

Yahoo is not a SaaS company. However, it has acquired companies that offer SaaS solutions. For example, in 2007, Yahoo acquired Zimbra, a provider of collaboration software4. Zimbra is an example of a SaaS provider that offers email, calendaring, and document sharing solutions. Yahoo’s acquisition of Zimbra shows that it recognizes the potential of SaaS solutions.

Is YouTube a SaaS?

Yes, YouTube is a SaaS company. YouTube is a video-sharing platform that allows users to upload, share, and view videos. YouTube provides its services through the cloud, allowing users to access the platform from anywhere with an internet connection. YouTube also offers tools for video editing, analytics, and monetization.

Is Zendesk a SaaS?

Yes, Zendesk is a SaaS company. Zendesk provides cloud-based customer service software solutions. Its products include customer support, chat, call center, and knowledge base solutions. Zendesk is an example of a SaaS provider that offers cloud-based software solutions that enable businesses to manage their customer interactions.

Is Zoho a SaaS company?

Yes, Zoho is a SaaS company. Zoho provides cloud-based software solutions for businesses. Its products include CRM, project management, accounting, and HR solutions. Zoho is an example of a SaaS provider that offers cloud-based software solutions that enable businesses to manage their operations.

Is Zomato a SaaS?

Zomato is not a SaaS company. Zomato is an online food ordering and delivery platform that connects users with restaurants. Zomato provides a platform for users to browse menus, place orders, and track deliveries. While Zomato provides its services through the cloud, it is not a SaaS company.

Is Zoom a SaaS?

Yes, Zoom is a SaaS company. Zoom provides cloud-based video conferencing and collaboration software solutions. Its products include video conferencing, webinars, and chat solutions. Zoom is an example of a SaaS provider that offers cloud-based software solutions that enable businesses to collaborate and communicate remotely.