Cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) have captured plenty of industry and press attention, but they have also created an equal share of confusion and even controversy. While there are solid reasons to be cautious about how to approach these rapidly evolving Web-based alternatives, there is also growing evidence that they are no passing fad. Instead, cloud computing and SaaS represent a fundamental shift in the way technology and business applications will be packaged, priced, delivered, and utilized going forward.