SaaS Solutions Research Articles

SaaS-Based reporting systems in higher education: A digital transition framework for operational resilience

The rapid digital transformation in higher education necessitates innovative solutions to enhance operational resilience. Software as a Service (SaaS)-based reporting systems emerge as pivotal tools that facilitate data-driven decision-making and streamline institutional processes. This abstract presents a digital transition framework for integrating SaaS-based reporting systems in higher education institutions, emphasizing their role in improving efficiency, accessibility, and adaptability in an increasingly complex educational landscape. SaaS-based reporting systems provide scalable solutions that allow higher education institutions to collect, analyze, and report data in real-time, fostering transparency and accountability. By leveraging cloud technology, these systems enable users to access critical information from anywhere, thereby promoting collaborative decision-making across departments. The framework proposed in this study outlines essential components for a successful transition to SaaS-based reporting, including stakeholder engagement, data governance, and change management strategies. The implementation of SaaS reporting systems not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports institutional goals related to student success, faculty performance, and resource allocation. With robust data analytics capabilities, institutions can identify trends and make informed decisions, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and resource utilization. Furthermore, the adaptability of SaaS solutions allows institutions to respond effectively to changing regulatory requirements and emerging educational trends. Challenges associated with the transition to SaaS-based reporting systems include concerns regarding data security, integration with existing systems, and the need for training faculty and staff. The proposed framework addresses these challenges by emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive implementation strategy that includes risk assessment, user training, and continuous support. In conclusion, adopting SaaS-based reporting systems within a structured digital transition framework can significantly enhance operational resilience in higher education institutions. By embracing these technologies, institutions can not only improve their reporting capabilities but also foster a culture of innovation and responsiveness to the evolving educational environment. Keywords: Saas-Based Reporting Systems, Higher Education, Digital Transition Framework, Operational Resilience, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Cloud Technology, Stakeholder Engagement, Data Governance.

Security and Privacy Challenges in Software as a Service (SaaS)

This document In the rapidly evolving landscape of cloud computing, Software as a Service (SaaS) has emerged as a dominant model for delivering software applications over the internet. However, this model introduces significant security and privacy challenges. This research paper delves into these issues, highlighting the unique risks associated with SaaS platforms. The study explores common vulnerabilities such as data breaches, unauthorized access, data loss, and identity theft, which are exacerbated by the centralized nature of SaaS solutions where data is stored on remote servers managed by service providers. To address these challenges, the paper underscores the importance of robust security measures, including encryption, access controls, and secure software development practices. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for SaaS providers to adopt advanced privacy protection techniques like data anonymization and differential privacy to meet user expectations and comply with stringent legal regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Through a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of current SaaS security practices, the research identifies critical risks and provides strategic recommendations for enhancing security and privacy in SaaS environments. By integrating multiple layers of security throughout the software development lifecycle, enforcing strict access management protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, SaaS providers can significantly mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive user data. The findings of this study highlight the imperative for continuous improvement in SaaS security strategies to keep pace with emerging threats and technological advancements. Ultimately, by prioritizing security and privacy, SaaS providers can not only protect their users but also gain a competitive edge in the increasingly crowded market of cloud services.

DEVELOPMENT OF A WEB-BASED SYSTEM FOR CONTENT EXCHANGE

The research paper presents a comprehensive study and development of a web-based content sharing system, the main purpose of which is to stimulate and distribute photo and media content, textual information about video game characters in the Ukrainian segment of the Internet through a convenient and efficient platform for users. This study formulated the requirements for the content sharing system and the stages of its development. Based on the requirements for the implementation of the system, a web-based content exchange system was developed, consisting of a client application (frontend) and a web server (backend) using third-party SaaS solutions to store media content and user information for the content exchange system. The system is designed to provide users with a convenient and efficient tool for sharing information about video games. The development process consists of the following stages: researching the context of formulating functional and non-functional requirements, selecting technologies to implement the system in accordance with the requirements for the frontend and backend. Also, unit and end-to-end tests are written for the developed applications to ensure that the system has the expected behavior. Completion of all stages and implementation of front-end and back-end applications in accordance with the requirements is the result of this work, namely a web-based content exchange system that meets all the requirements and provides an effective exchange of information about video games in the Ukrainian Internet segment.

Analysis and selection of methods for customizing SAAS solutions built using Cloud-Native technologies

The subject of the study is the methods of customization of SaaS solutions. The purpose of the article is to determine a holistic strategy for customizing SaaS solutions developed using cloud-native technologies. Objectives: to analyze modern approaches to the architecture of SaaS applications; to identify the main methods of customization for modern SaaS applications; to investigate and establish a method for customizing the interface of SaaS applications; based on the study, to determine a comprehensive strategy for customizing SaaS applications. The following methods are implemented: analysis and synthesis - to study the technologies that are used to build SaaS applications; abstraction and generalization - to determine the overall architecture of the SaaS application; synthesis of web technologies - to select methods of customization of SaaS applications and build an algorithm for selecting a customization method. Results achieved: the modern architecture of SaaS applications is studied; methods of customization of SaaS applications are selected, and a holistic strategy for customization of SaaS applications is defined; a method for modifying the interface of SaaS applications is determined, which allows customization of the web interface of a SaaS application regardless of the specific front-end framework. Conclusions: modern architecture of SaaS applications is complex and based on microservice architecture, multi-tenant approach, cloud technologies and web browser; methods of customization of SaaS applications should be developed independently of certain technology stacks to meet the customization needs of most or all users of SaaS applications; the API-first approach is fundamental in building a customized SaaS, as it is the basis for creating any automation or related business logic; webhooks are the best option for implementing subscriptions to events occurring in a SaaS application, regardless of the technology stack; a defined strategy for customizing SaaS applications allows customization regardless of a particular technology stack and, in addition to implementing business logic, also covers interface modifications.

Building SaaS solutions using microsoft azure for achieving safe and secure tax related software

Building SaaS solutions using microsoft azure for achieving safe and secure tax related software

Вплив цифрової трансформації на формування системи економічної безпеки підприємства

The article is aimed at studying the features of formation of the system of economic security of enterprise, taking into account the risks that arise under conditions of digital transformation. When analyzing, systematizing and generalizing scientific works of many domestic and foreign scholars, the features of the digital transformation of the enterprise and its impact on the components of the overall system of economic security of the enterprise were considered in detail. As result of the study, the main problems and risks faced by the majority of enterprises in the process of digital transformation were identified and summarized, in particular, the following groups were allocated: technological, operational, managerial, financial and risks to privacy. The negative impact of the novel risks associated with digital transformation on the financial, technological, informational, personnel, and intellectual subsystems of the general system of economic security of enterprise is determined. It is substantiated that the effects of materialization of new risks can be destructive in relation to the activities of the entire economic entity and lead to significant financial, economic and organizational losses of enterprise. The step-by-step risk management in the system of economic security of enterprises undergoing digital transformation has been proposed, which includes: identification and diagnosis of further risks; risk optimization; monitoring of the state of economic security of the enterprise. In order to ensure the normal functioning and also to minimize the effect of negative factors and risks of digital transformation, the following proposals are formed: introduction and use of an integrated automated system of management and rationalization of business processes; use of cloud computing and SaaS solutions; development of necessary materials for staff training; use of new information-communicative and analytical technologies; ensuring investment in the development of digital skills; concluding agreements with technology partners; development of a culture of innovation and adaptability. Prospects for further research in this direction are the definition and quantitative assessment of the impact of digital transformation on the system of economic security of enterprise, as well as the development of approaches to managing a new system of economic security based on the use of the latest technologies of artificial intelligence and digitalization of business processes

Data Processing and Maintenance in Different Jurisdictions When Using a SaaS Solution in a Public Sector Organisation

Many public sector organisations (PSO) use SaaS solutions from dominant global providers. Implementation of these solutions may raise issues concerning both lawful data processing, and the obligations that those PSOs have to maintain their digital assets. One example is a large Swedish PSO which addressed these issues as part of the adoption and implementation of Microsoft 365. The study identifies challenges and presents an analysis of the organisational implementation of that SaaS solution, exposing legal issues that arose in that context. Findings show an absence of a documented risk analysis related to the PSO's use of that SaaS solution, covering data processing and maintenance of its digital assets. Recommendations are presented to facilitate a PSO's procurement and implementation of such a SaaS solution to address issues around data processing and the processing of digital assets.

Securing the Future of Workforce Communication: A Dynamic Alert Framework for Modern HCM Systems

The operational efficacy of contemporary organizations is increasingly predicated on the sophistication and adaptability of their Human Capital Management (HCM) systems. Within these systems, the strategic handling of information and data is paramount, particularly in the context of generating and disseminating alerts and notifications to relevant stakeholders without violating stringent data security protocols. Although current SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions for HCM offer advanced capabilities for configuring alerts and notifications in alignment with security mandates, a significant gap remains in their ability to dispatch email alerts containing sensitive data to recipients who lack the requisite security permissions within the system. This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the underlying architecture, encompassing the intricacies of security groups, service accounts, and the nuanced configuration of alerts necessary to forge a robust and secure notification framework. Furthermore, it delves into the specific tools and functionalities provided by Workday, assessing their potential to reinforce this framework and thereby augment the overall efficiency of communication channels between employees, HR, and executive management

ADOPTION OF SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE: A FUZZY APPROACH TO RANKING THE DETERMINANTS

‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) holds various benefits for organisations; however, SaaS solutions are not enjoying widespread adoption in South Africa. Hence, to improve the competitiveness of South African organisations, this study ranked SaaS adoption factors according to their influence on a SaaS adoption decision. This novel approach from a South African perspective implemented an integrated adoption model with the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with linguistic preference relations (LinPreRa). The top five adoption factors were found to be trust, relative advantage, security risk, complexity, and trialability. Implications for researchers, vendors, and end-users are also discussed.

Priority Factors for the Adoption of Cloud ERP Based on the Perspective of Consultants and SMEs

The presence of cloud computing technology is driving changes in the way ERP vendors design, develop, implement, develop and sell ERP products that were previously treated as goods into services. The existing ERP product players who previously provided on-premise ERP solutions are now also providing SaaS solutions to compete with new players providing SaaS solutions. Previous research on the adoption of cloud computing-based ERP has always looked at the adoption factor from the SMEs side, even though the success of implementation is largely determined by the consultant. This study aims to see if there are differences in the priority factors for the adoption of cloud computingbased ERP. This is important because there is a change in the role of consultants who previously played a lot in technical matters for implementing on-premise ERP to SME business process management in SaaS ERP implementation because the technical complexity has been handled by the Vendor. This study uses descriptive statistics to perform different tests and the Entropy method to determine the priority weights of cloud computing-based ERP adoption factors. The results of the study indicate that there are differences in the priority of adoption factors from the consultant's side, the largest is the regulation factor and from the SME side is available resources. For the lowest priority, it turns out to be the same in terms of consultants and SMEs, namely data control. Keywords— Adoption Factor, Consultant, ERP, SaaS ERP, SMEs, consultant, Adoption factor, Entropy.

A Framework for Providing Security for Cloud SaaS Model through an Enhanced Sea Lion Optimization Algorithm

The Cloud paradigm is increasing very rapidly due to its on-demand services. Software-as-a Service (SaaS) is one amongst the most outstanding and fastest-growing fields in the era of Cloud computing. Organizations are adopting SaaS solutions, which offer several advantages, mostly in minimizing cost and time. Over all the excitement around SaaS, security is one of the foremost critical issues for its growth in Cloud computing. Hence this paper introduces a novel framework for detecting the DoS attacks using an enhanced Sea Lion Optimization Algorithm (SLnO) known as Fitness updated Sea Lion Optimization Algorithm (FSLnO). The proposed work has two stages (i) feature selection using FSLnO and (ii) classification through Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). It ensures the separation of normal and compromised date. For evaluation KDD cup 99 dataset is used and evaluated in terms of Precision, Accuracy, False Positive and Negative rates. Results prove that the proposed work outperformed the other conventional models.

A Review of Hosting Enterprise SaaS with IaC on Multi-cloud Platforms

This paper explores the concepts of Enterprise Software as a Service (SaaS), the reasons for hosting a SaaS solution on a multi-cloud platform, and the benefit of using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) on a multi-cloud for quick provisioning. The paper also details the various challenges faced while adopting a multi-cloud solution. In conclusion, the paper recommends using multi-cloud and IaC to host all Enterprise SaaS solutions.

Agency Perspectives on Online Public Records Request Portals

Spurred by converging trends facilitated by the interactive web, government agencies are moving to digitize and make more transparent the public record request (PRR) process via dual-facing online portals. Such portals, often provided by third-party vendors as SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions, are built on the premise and promise of helping agencies streamline their internal workflows while aiding requesters through the sometimes labyrinthine process of accessing public records. This research aims to study the effects and efficacy of such portals from the agency perspective, both at the process level and in a broader sense of reshaping the relationship between citizen and government. Set within a contextual framework of the trends from which these portals have emerged, a survey of 54 U.S. public jurisdictions suggests that online portals are significantly improving agencies’ internal and external processes of receiving, tracking, and responding to requests for public records, but do not necessarily bring correlative improvement in their overall relationship with citizens for a number of possible reasons.

Research in Service-Oriented Architecture with Cloud and SaaS Solutions

International Journal of Computer Sciences and Engineering (A UGC Approved and indexed with DOI, ICI and Approved, DPI Digital Library) is one of the leading and growing open access, peer-reviewed, monthly, and scientific research journal for scientists, engineers, research scholars, and academicians, which gains a foothold in Asia and opens to the world, aims to publish original, theoretical and practical advances in Computer Science,Information Technology, Engineering (Software, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics & Electrical), and all interdisciplinary streams of Computing Sciences. It intends to disseminate original, scientific, theoretical or applied research in the field of Computer Sciences and allied fields. It provides a platform for publishing results and research with a strong empirical component. It aims to bridge the significant gap between research and practice by promoting the publication of original, novel, industry-relevant research.

Bridging Data Silos Using Big Data Integration

With cloud computing, cheap storage and technology advancements, an enterprise uses multiple applications to operate business functions. Applications are not limited to just transactions, customer service, sales, finance but they also include security, application logs, marketing, engineering, operations, HR and many more. Each business vertical uses multiple applications which generate a huge amount of data. On top of that, social media, IoT sensors, SaaS solutions, and mobile applications record exponential growth in data volume. In almost all enterprises, data silos exist through these applications. These applications can produce structured, semi-structured, or unstructured data at different velocity and in different volume. Having all data sources integrated and generating timely insights helps in overall decision making. With recent development in Big Data Integration, data silos can be managed better and it can generate tremendous value for enterprises. Big data integration offers flexibility, speed and scalability for integrating large data sources. It also offers tools to generate analytical insights which can help stakeholders to make effective decisions. This paper presents the overview on data silos, challenges with data silos and how big data integration can help to stun them.

From Security to Scalability: A Comprehensive Framework for Choosing Between Self-Hosted and SaaS Solutions in Engineering

From Security to Scalability: A Comprehensive Framework for Choosing Between Self-Hosted and SaaS Solutions in Engineering

Development of a method of continuous improvement of services using the Business Intelligence tools

The purpose of the study was to develop a method of continuous improvement of services using the Business Intelligence tools. Materials and methods: the materials are used on the concept of the Deming Cycle, methods and Business Intelligence technologies, Agile methodology and SCRUM. Results: the article considers the problem of continuous improvement of services and offers solutions using methods and technologies of Business Intelligence. In this case, the purpose of this technology is to solve and make the final decision regarding what needs to be improved in the current organization of services. In other words, Business Intelligence helps the product manager to see what is hidden from the “human eye” on the basis of received and processed data. Development of a method based on the concept of the Deming Cycle and Agile methodologies, and SCRUM. The article describes the main stages of development of method based on activity of the enterprise. It is necessary to fully build the Business Intelligence system in the enterprise to identify bottlenecks and justify the need for their elimination and, in general, for continuous improvement of the services. This process is represented in the notation of DFD. The article presents a scheme for the selection of suitable agile methodologies. The proposed concept of the solution of the stated objectives, including methods of identification of problems through Business Intelligence technology, development of the system for troubleshooting and analysis of results of the introduced changes. The technical description of the project is given. Conclusion: following the work of the authors there was formed the concept of the method for the continuous improvement of the services, using the Business Intelligence technology with the specifics of the enterprises, offering SaaS solutions. It was also found that when using this method, the recommended development methodology is SCRUM. The result of this scientific research is the continuous improvement of IT services, using Business Intelligence for enterprises, offering SaaS solutions, which solves the problems, identified in the existing methods of continuous improvement. Proposed method consists of the following steps: – analysis of the current status of the service and identification of bottlenecks; – analysis of possible causes of problems; – formation of requirements to improve services; – development of the part of the system, including troubleshooting; – analysis of the results of the implemented changes; – definition of new measurable criteria and data collection. The developed method was used at the enterprise Ltd “Solomoto”. In the course of practical testing of this method the identified problem of tutorials in SaaS platform Solomoto was eliminated. In addition, they identified several positive effects from the implementation of this method in the enterprise. They include the following: – increase in the quality of requirements’ formation; – improving response to business needs; – reduce costs and negative impact on the implementation of changes; – improving the quality of information on the state of services and the improvement of various metrics; – improving the quality of work of staff; – improving the competitiveness of enterprises through continuous improvement and maintaining the service up to date.

A Holistic Decision Framework to Avoid Vendor Lock-in for Cloud SaaS Migration

Cloud computing offers an innovative business model to enterprise for IT services consumption and delivery. Software as a Service (SaaS) is one of the cloud offerings that attract organisations as a potential solution in reducing their IT cost. However, the vast diversity among the available cloud SaaS services makes it difficult for customers to decide whose vendor services to use or even to determine a valid basis for their selections. Moreover, this variety of cloud SaaS services has led to proprietary architectures and technologies being used by cloud vendors, increasing the risk of vendor lock-in for customers. Therefore, when enterprises interact with SaaS providers within the purview of the current cloud marketplace, they often encounter significant lock-in challenges to migrating and interconnecting cloud. Hence, the complexity and variety of cloud SaaS service offerings makes it imperative for businesses to use a clear and well understood decision process to procure, migrate and/or discontinue cloud services. To date, the expertise and technological solutions to simplify such transition and facilitate good decision making to avoid lock-in risks in the cloud are limited. Besides, little investigation has been carried out to provide a comprehensive decision framework to support enterprises on how to avoid lock-in risks when selecting and implementing cloud-based SaaS solutions within existing environments. Such decision framework is important to reduce complexity and variations in implementation patterns on the cloud provider side, while at the same time minimising potential switching cost for enterprises by resolving integration issues with existing IT infrastructures. This paper proposes a holistic 6-step decision framework that enables an enterprise to assess its current IT landscape for potential SaaS replacement, and provides effective strategies to mitigate vendor lock-in risks in cloud (SaaS) migration. The framework follows research findings and addresses the core requirements for choosing vendor-neutral interoperable and portable cloud services without the fear of vendor lock-in, and architectural decisions for secure SaaS migration. Therefore, the results of this research can help IT managers have a safe and effective migration to cloud computing SaaS environment.

Modelling, validating, and ranking of secure service compositions

SummaryIn the world of large‐scale applications, software as a service (SaaS) in general and use of microservices, in particular, is bringing service‐oriented architectures to a new level: Systems in general and systems that interact with human users (eg, sociotechnical systems) in particular are built by composing microservices that are developed independently and operated by different parties. At the same time, SaaS applications are used more and more widely by enterprises as well as public services for providing critical services, including those processing security or privacy of relevant data. Therefore, providing secure and reliable service compositions is increasingly needed to ensure the success of SaaS solutions. Building such service compositions securely is still an unsolved problem.In this paper, we present a framework for modelling, validating, and ranking secure service compositions that integrate both automated services as well as services that interact with humans. As a unique feature, our approach for ranking services integrates validated properties (eg, based on the result of formally analysing the source code of a service implementation) as well as contractual properties that are part of the service level agreement and, thus, not necessarily ensured on a technical level.

An Extensible Software-as-a-Service Solution for Distributed Infrastructures

Distributed research infrastructures embrace resources, services, and users. From those, services display the highest churn rate. The reasons are twofold. First, new versions or new services emerge, gain popularity, and have to be provisioned by infrastructure operators. Secondly, the demand to make research reproducible inclines the users to share the software they used to obtain their results. Coming to grips with these high churn rates is not easy, but has the potential to speed-up scientific discovery. In this paper we will describe an extensible Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution conceived to facilitate seamless exchange, evolution, and deployment of software services in distributed environments. In opposite to ordinary SaaS solutions, the portfolio of the software services in our approach is extensible. We implemented means for users and developers to make their services readily available in the distributed infrastructure with minimal overhead. In this process, not only the actual software is made available but also the knowledge of how to install and configure it is conveyed, thus running instances of the new service can be provided right away. We will share the experience gained during the implementation of the extensible SaaS solution for DARIAH-DE research infrastructure. It was used to provision on-demand instances of software used in digital humanities. Subsequently, the same solution was reused in a completely different context to provide on-demand instances of UNICORE Grid middleware for training and testing purposes. The operation of our extensible SaaS, yielded additional requirements and extensions. In particular, the need for monitoring and measuring the resource usage were identified and addressed. The presented insights can help to address the problem of exchange and provision of scientific software. Other distributed infrastructures can incorporate them to improve the scalability, maintainability, user-friendliness, and sustainability of their platforms.