What is a multi-tenancy environment?
In cloud computing, a multi-tenancy environment refers to a situation where multiple users, also referred to as tenants, share the same physical infrastructure and resources. These resources, such as computing power, memory and storage are dynamically allocated based on the needs of each tenant. Each tenant’s data is, however, stored in separate databases to ensure both privacy and security.
Related Definitions
Centralized Procurement
What is centralized procurement in SaaS?
Centralized SaaS procurement is a model in which all software purchasing decisions are made or approved by a single department, often either IT, procurement or finance. By having a streamlined process for purchasing and renewing software solutions, organizations can ensure they have total visibility of their SaaS apps, prevent wasted spend and maximize purchasing power.
SaaS Stack
What is a SaaS stack?
A SaaS stack is a collection of software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and tools that are used across an organization. While the specific contents of any SaaS stack will vary depending on the nature of the business, it will typically consist of communication, collaboration, sales, marketing, HR, finance and data analytics software.
Master Service Agreement (MSA)
What is a Master Service Agreement?
A Master Service Agreement (MSA) is a contract between two parties, in this case the software provider and the buyer, outlining the terms and conditions of the agreement. It will typically cover pricing, payment terms, service levels, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, liability, termination, and dispute resolution.
Unlike a service level agreement (SLA) which outlines the specific performance metrics and criteria for the delivery of a particular service, for example uptime guarantees and support response times, an MSA covers the broader terms of the business relationship.
Enterprise License Agreement (ELA)
What is an ELA?
An Enterprise License Agreement (ELA) is a contract between a software vendor and an enterprise customer that sets out the terms and conditions for the licensing of software products across an enterprise. Unlike a Master License Agreement (MLA) which is a more comprehensive business agreement that can cover a range of products and services, an ELA is often used for specific software products.
While the specific terms and conditions of an ELA can vary, it will typically outline the number and type of licenses covered under the agreement, restrictions or limitation on usage, the duration of the agreement, the fees associated with the license, renewal terms and termination clauses.
Cloud Cost Optimization
What is Cloud Cost Optimization?
Cloud cost optimization refers to the process of reducing and optimizing cloud spending, while ensuring optimal resource utilization and maintaining desired performance levels. It ultimately involves managing cloud costs without compromising business objectives or user experience.
Maverick Buying
What is maverick buying?
Maverick spending, also known as rogue spending, can be defined as any purchasing that takes place within an organization, outside of an established procurement process.
In the context of SaaS, maverick spending refers to the acquisition of cloud-based software solutions that are purchased unbeknownst to the finance, IT or procurement teams, and in a way that does not comply with the organization’s formal IT procurement process — and so may not be approved, vetted, or appropriately documented.