Shared software could cut IT support costs

Sep 4 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

AS the credit crunch continues to bite, businesses in the region will be given the chance to learn about a new technology which could dramatically cut the amount they need to spend on deploying and running new software applications.

Later this month, North East businesses have the opportunity to learn more about cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) at an event hosted by Codeworks Connect.

SaaS is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider and made available to customers over a network, typically the internet.

Because the customer does not need to purchase new software and have it installed on individual computers, it is argued that it can save a great deal of money in IT support and paying for licences, as well as making it easier for customers to keep the software they use up-to-date.

Carri Cunliffe, head of sector development at Codeworks, said: “Using the new software-as-a-service delivery model, applications are provided as a service over the internet, as opposed to being run on the company’s own infrastructure.

“SaaS alleviates the burden of software maintenance and support, and can lead to significant savings of time and money, something that will appeal to many businesses that are concerned by the so-called credit crunch.”

Codeworks Connect’s ‘Think and a Drink’ networking event takes place at Northern Stage, Newcastle on September 25. Speakers include Andrew Robson, managing director of Perfect Image, Ross Cooney, founder of Rozmic and Steve Caughey, CEO of Arjuna Technologies.