What's with all the SaaS?

Is the Web Sassing us?
On the blog, I have mentioned several services out of the Web 2.0 cloud. I just recently came across what appears to be the term for these web based services- SaaS or Software as a Service.
As defined by Wikipedia:
"Software as a service (SaaS, typically pronounced 'sass') is a model of software deployment where an application is hosted as a service provided to customers across the Internet. By eliminating the need to install and run the application on the customer's own computer, SaaS alleviates the customer's burden of software maintenance, ongoing operation, and support. Conversely, customers relinquish control over software versions or changing requirements; moreover, costs to use the service become a continuous expense, rather than a single expense at time of purchase."

SaaSy Net Books & Notbooks
More and more we are hearing the term "UltraMoble PC's" and "Sub-Notebook" shift into what is called a "Net Book." These are machines like the Asus EEE PC and HP Mini-Note. The philosophy behind the Net Book is to provide consumers with a lightweight, small, affordable laptop that can be carried around for communication, internet access, and simple document creation. Hardware on these Net Books are limited in power and storage capacity.

Steve Jobs said with the unveiling of the MacBook Air that the MacBook Air is created specifically for the wireless world. The MacBook Air is NOT a Net Book in classification, but it seems that the world it was designed for is the nook of notebook market the Net Book is trying to develop.

With this said, I would like to highlight some of the SaaS out there: built on the Wild-Wild-West-of-a-Wireless-Web-World. Useful for the Net Book user who is pressed on hardware resources, or the ordinary user looking for fast free web based apps that just require the net and a browser:

Apps that SaaS

Adobe Photoshope Express
If you remember a few months back, I blogged about this in beta. Now out of beta, psx brings basic Photoshop tools to your browser.

Adobe Acrobat (Beta) Online:
I have not used this service yet- but from what I have seen I looks like a Zoho/Google Docs style service. But, the document if in PDF form. *Please post to this blog if you have used this service-how did it work for you?*

Aviary
Along the same time I blogged about Adobe psx, I blogged about Aviary now out of beta as well). This SaaS provides users with simple photo alterations similar to psx.

Zoho
In short- Take Google Doc but give it steroids! It is a great online suite that allow you to create documents, presentations...pretty much Office Suite content but all done through your browser and Google gears (for offline use). This grad student loves this service, and uses it for work and school notes, as documents can be kept private or easily shared online.

DimDim
Free Webinar service that allows users to connect and collaborate.

ScreenToaster
I just joined in this beta- and like it so far! Great for screen capturing (like Jing) but without the need to install an app or the time limit on the video (or at least what I have discovered). But, I would like to see similtanious recording of the screen as well as audio (I had to dubb over afterwards).
Example of ScreenToaster in action


An Aside from the Grad Student
The Poloroide pic above was taken using an (non SaaS) beta app called Poladroid. I heard about it from Cali on Geekbrief.tv and have to say it is a fun app!