Available as a service
The provider runs the application and infrastructure for customers.
Software as a Service
Software you use online while a provider runs and maintains the application.
In plain language
SaaS is software you use online while the provider runs the application, servers, and updates.
An online service needs ongoing care, data protection, and clear costs, support, and ownership.
The foundation
What matters in SaaS
Continuously operated
Security updates, monitoring, support, and backups continue after launch.
Clear data boundaries
Keep permissions and data ownership clear, including on shared infrastructure.
Applied by The Forge
How we put it into practice
We plan for who uses the service, who maintains it, and how ownership can evolve.
Validate the product need
Identify the people, recurring need, and operating model.
Reuse dependable foundations
Reuse authentication, permissions, billing, and other services where they fit.
Design for operation
Plan deployment, monitoring, privacy, support, backups, and recovery.
Evolve from evidence
Use feedback and real usage to guide small improvements.
A useful boundary
Limits to keep in mind
- It is not simply any website that includes a login screen.
- It is not a build-once project: operating and improving the service is part of the product.
- Shared infrastructure does not mean customer data should be shared or weakly isolated.
A concrete example
A community platform
A community uses an online platform for members and activities. The provider maintains it; each community keeps separate settings and protected data.
Further reading
Primary sources
Check the sources behind these explanations.
Related concept
Agentic workflow: Agentic Development Workflow
A way of building software in which AI carries out defined tasks while people guide the work and review the result.