Software-as-a-service security applications ’employed by many’

Many companies are employing software-as-a-service security applications without being fully aware of the fact.

Writing for PC World, columnist Andreas Antonopoulos explained that several organisations are using technologies such as antispam and antivirus on their messaging systems.

He said many companies are not fully aware that these are software-as-a-service offerings but are benefiting from them nevertheless.

Mr Antonopoulos noted that this form of security outsourcing is growing by around 12 per cent on an annual basis.

"It’s becoming a great outsourcing option for companies that lack the skills or do not want to retain and maintain the skills in some security function," he stated.

Last month, a report by Gartner forecast that the growth in software-as-a-service usage across the world is set to continue.

Ruggero Contu, principal research analyst at Gartner, predicted that it will overtake traditional software licensing as the preferred option for companies within the next 12 months.