Document: MKT-432
Date of Publication: January 31, 2008
Number of Pages: 5
Lead Author(s): M. West
Price: $295 USD

QuickTake Summary:

Cloud-based development is suddenly a viable alternative to on-premise development targeting traditional computing platforms. Salesforce is one of the most visible platforms enabling cloud-based development, along with NetSuite. And the trend is growing to include a wide array of platform players including, for example, Bungee Labs, Coghead, Comrange, DreamFactory, Facebook, Iceberg on Demand, and IT Factory.

SaaS platform capabilities have evolved through three stages:

1. Integration - ecosystem partner integration via APIs and integration of SaaS solutions with on-premise applications,

2. Customization - customization of SaaS solution UI and logic via APIs and scripting toolkits,

3. Development - cloud-based development of enterprise applications and SaaS solutions.

The next stage of SaaS platform evolution will extend those same three capabilities – integration, customization and development – to enable and enrich SaaS workflow.