With reference to "Software as a Service (SaaS)", consider the following statements : 1. SaaS buyers can customise the user interface and can change data fields. 2. SaaS users can access their data through their mobile devices. 3. Outlook, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are forms of SaaS. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Software as a Service delivers applications over the internet on subscription, hosted and maintained by the provider, so users need no local installation.

• Statement 1 is correct: SaaS products typically let customers configure the interface, add custom fields and set workflows within the vendor's framework.

• Statement 2 is correct: because the data lives in the cloud, users can access it from mobile devices through apps or browsers.

• Statement 3 is correct: web-based email services such as Outlook.com, Hotmail and Yahoo! Mail are classic examples of SaaS.

• SaaS sits above Platform-as-a-Service and Infrastructure-as-a-Service in the cloud stack.

• Hence 1, 2 and 3, option (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only: Statement 3 is also correct: web mail services are SaaS.
(b) 2 and 3 only: Statement 1 is also correct: SaaS allows customisation.
(c) 1 and 3 only: Statement 2 is also correct: SaaS data is accessible from mobiles.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.