They are indeed, Alex. And they've implemented some kind of system where you specify a VAR partner when purchasing as well so as to not cut off that avenue of support. The question then may be did they go far enough with all the elements (price, accessibility, etc.) that are typically the hallmarks of the SaaS delivery model.
This is a very smart play for Dassault. As you note, this enables them to broaden their market from their high-end enterprise stronghold downward and target mid-sized businesses. The latter, which are less likely to be candidates for expensive, on-premise licenses, might be enticed to try the pay as you go model. OTOH, I notice that Dassault is being careful not to undercut their traditional business model, by setting fairly high-end pricing for the cloud offering. Which, in turn, makes it less attractive to smaller businesses. So like all traditional software vendors moving to the cloud (or SaaS, as Rob mentions), they're walking a tightrope.
It is confusing and the definitions vary depending on who you are talking to. Generally the hosted model is the older interpretation when a company like an IBM, for example, or a hosting provider manage the instance of particular application off-site in their data center. With this approach, there is typically dedicated hardware in one location running the applications--not exactly cloud computing by today's standards since you don't have the scalability and elasticity of that model. SaaS, on the other hand, fits the more modern intrepretation of cloud and that's what Dassault is doing via it's partnership with Outscale. Amazon provides the cloud computing infrastructure (what's known as infrastructure-as-a-service) and Outscale handles the management/provisioning of the Dassault applications delivered in a SaaS model.
With cloud computing becoming so widespread -- with even our music and video collections slipping up to the cloud -- how do the older terms like software-as-a-service (SaaS) and hosted services fit in? Do they remain distinct models, or are they simply earlier terms for what is essentially cloud computing?
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
