A practical approach to convert silo web application into multi-tenant cloud-based SaaS application

Abstract

Generally, SME software firms start developing an application with specific require- ments and intended to use it as Application Service Provider (ASP). With no argu- ment ASP fits best for agile development and meets development deadlines. In ASP

model, we deploy the system and cater update, customization and troubleshooting by ownership. When we have the application deployed for more than a handful of users then it gets difficult to maintain the application for each owner. In Software as

a Service (SaaS) model service is provided to each subscriber individually but under- neath the application is maintained as one single instance. Converting ASP model

applications to SaaS model application helps the provider to reduce development and operational costs, effortlessly update and do bug fixes, and attain troubleshooting

effectively. The conversion of ASP to SaaS is not straightforward. The conver- sion starts with separation common modules and subscriber specific modules. Then

there is existing database customization along with master table implementation for the subscription. Finally, we need to select proper cloud-based IaaS with different services to obtain maximum usage with minimal billing. This project address the challenges of converting an ASP to a multi-tenant SaaS model with scalability, cost efficiency and ease of maintenance. Using the cloud as infrastructure gives the advantage of high security, reduces overhead cost and streamlines integration and deployment. This paper aims to provide a structured implementation technique to convert an existing singleton web application to SaaS on multi-tenant shared infrastructure model. These improvements help software firms achieve better operational efficiency while offering a more sustainable SaaS solution. Also helpful for the researchers and engineers to easily implement multi-tenant architecture in action.