In the SaaS diagram, we have the relationship between a user and application stored in remote servers. In a cloud computing setting, users use applications hosted in distant servers. They do not require installation of the whole application in their machines since the process is done remotely through the use of the internet.
For example, in the case of customer management system online. As a customer, you sign in, open customers’ details, update their details etc. the application then uses the request that was passed and pulls out the details requested from the database.
A SaaS Architecture diagram shows the connection, flow of information and processes within.
What Does a SaaS Diagram Show?
The SaaS diagram shows the relationship between the user, internet, application server, and cloud storage. It explains the process in which a request is sent by the user’s device to the hosted application and how the application responds.
There could be additional components included in the diagram such as the authentication service, database, and back-end.
Unlike a general explanation of what SaaS is and how it works, an architecture diagram focuses on the technical structure behind the service.
Understanding these connections makes it easier to see how SaaS applications deliver software to users while the provider operates the underlying systems.
SaaS Architecture Diagram in Cloud Computing
A SaaS architecture diagram shows how users interact with software running on cloud infrastructure. The application, its backend services, and the database are hosted and managed by the SaaS provider rather than installed on each user’s device.
In a typical SaaS setup, users access the application through a web browser or mobile app. Their requests travel over the internet to the hosted application, where backend services process them and communicate with the database when needed.
The provider maintains the servers, application environment, and supporting infrastructure, allowing customers to use the software without managing those systems directly.
Figure 1: SaaS architecture diagram showing the connection between users, the internet, cloud-hosted applications, and data storage.
How to Read the SaaS Diagram
The diagram represents five connected parts of a typical SaaS environment:
- Users and Client Devices: Customers open the application through a browser or mobile device.
- Internet Connection: Requests travel between client devices and the SaaS application, typically over encrypted HTTPS connections.
- SaaS Application: The hosted application processes user requests, runs business logic, and communicates with supporting services.
- Database and Storage: The application retrieves or updates information stored in cloud-managed databases or storage systems.
- Response to Users: After processing the request, the application returns the relevant information to the user’s device.
This structure explains how SaaS delivers applications through the cloud while keeping most software operations under the provider’s management.
Main Components of SaaS Cloud Architecture
A SaaS application relies on several connected components to handle user requests, run software functions, and manage stored information. Each component has a different responsibility within the cloud architecture.
1. Client Devices and User Interface
The client layer is where users interact with a SaaS application. It usually includes web browsers, desktop applications, or mobile apps.
For example, when someone opens a project management platform, the interface displays tasks, deadlines, and team updates. Users can interact with these features without installing the application’s backend software on their devices.
2. Internet Connection and Application Access
The internet connects client devices to the SaaS provider’s hosted services. Most web-based SaaS applications use HTTPS to encrypt information while it travels between the browser and the server.
A stable connection allows users to access current application data and collaborate with others.
3. SaaS Application and Backend Services
Functions at the application layer pertain to what the software does. Backend processes request handling, applies business logic, and interacts with the other system layers.
Some SaaS platforms use APIs and microservices to organize these functions. Others use a single application backend, depending on their architecture and requirements.
4. Cloud Infrastructure and Data Storage
Cloud infrastructure provides the computing resources needed to run SaaS applications, including servers, networking, and storage.
Databases store information such as customer records, account settings, and application activity. Providers may also use load balancers, caching, and backups to support performance, availability, and recovery.
5. Authentication and Access Control
Authentication ensures that the identity of the user is established before he is allowed access to his account. Access Control determines the type of access that the user is allowed to information and to the application itself.
SaaS platforms commonly support passwords, multi-factor authentication, and role-based permissions. These controls help prevent unauthorized access to customer information.
How SaaS Works in Cloud Computing: Step by Step
A SaaS application works by processing user requests on cloud-hosted servers and returning the results to a web browser or mobile app. To understand this process, consider an employee using an online project management tool.
Step 1: User Opens the Application
The employee opens the SaaS platform in a browser and signs in. The application connects to the provider’s servers over the internet.
Step 2: Authentication Verifies Access
The authentication service checks the employee’s credentials or existing login session. Once authenticated, the user can access features allowed by their account permissions.
Step 3: The Application Processes the Request
When the employee opens a project dashboard, the browser sends a request to the application’s backend. The backend checks access permissions and determines which information is needed.
Step 4: The Database Provides Information
The backend retrieves relevant project records, including assigned tasks, deadlines, and progress updates, from the database.
Step 5: Results Appear on the User’s Screen
The application sends the requested information back to the browser, which displays the project dashboard. When the employee updates a task, another request saves the change.
This process allows users to work with centrally hosted software while the SaaS provider maintains the application and supporting cloud infrastructure.
Multi-Tenant SaaS Architecture Diagram
Multi-tenant SaaS architecture allows multiple customers, known as tenants, to use the same cloud-hosted application while keeping their information separate.
For example, three companies might use one project management platform. They access the same software, but each company sees only its own projects, employees, and account settings.
In a typical shared architecture, the application identifies each tenant and applies access controls before retrieving or updating information. Depending on the design, customer data may be stored in a shared database with logical separation or in separate databases.
Figure 2: Multi-tenant SaaS architecture showing multiple customers accessing a shared application with tenant-specific data access.
Shared Application Resources and Tenant Data Isolation
Multi-tenant systems can share application servers, networking, and computing resources across customers. This reduces infrastructure duplication and makes it easier for providers to maintain software updates.
However, sharing resources must not mean sharing private customer information. Tenant-aware authorization and database access controls help ensure that one customer’s users cannot access another customer’s records.
Single-Tenant vs Multi-Tenant Architecture
In a single-tenant architecture, each customer has a dedicated application instance, often with separate infrastructure or databases. This provides greater deployment isolation but can increase operating costs and maintenance work.
In a multi-tenant architecture, multiple customers share some application resources while their data and permissions remain separated.
The appropriate model depends on security requirements, scalability, customization needs, and operating costs. SaaS providers may also combine shared and dedicated resources within one platform.
SaaS vs PaaS vs IaaS Architecture Diagram
There are three types of cloud computing offerings that include Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). The main distinction among these three models is the management of the technology stack by the cloud provider.
With SaaS, customers use a complete, hosted application. PaaS provides an environment where developers can build and deploy their own applications. IaaS offers virtual computing resources that customers configure and manage.
The following comparison shows how responsibilities are divided in a typical cloud setup.
| Architecture Layer | IaaS | PaaS | SaaS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications | Customer | Customer | Provider |
| Runtime and Operating System | Customer | Provider | Provider |
| Virtualization | Provider | Provider | Provider |
| Servers and Networking | Provider | Provider | Provider |
| Data and User Access | Customer responsibilities | Customer responsibilities | Shared responsibilities |
Figure 3: Comparison of SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS architecture showing typical customer and cloud provider responsibilities.
In SaaS, the provider manages more of the application stack, reducing the technical work required from customers. However, customers remain responsible for appropriate account permissions, data handling, and security settings.
For a broader explanation, see our guide to cloud computing and its types.
Example of SaaS Architecture in a Cloud-Based CRM
Consider a sales team using a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application.
When a salesperson signs in, the CRM authenticates their account and loads customer records based on their permissions.
If the salesperson updates a customer’s contact details, the browser sends the changes to the application backend. The backend validates the request, checks permissions, and saves the updated record in the database.
Authorized team members can then access the current information through their own accounts.
The SaaS provider operates the application servers, database infrastructure, and software updates. The company using the CRM manages its customer records, user accounts, and access permissions.
This example shows how SaaS architecture connects users, application services, and cloud storage without requiring customers to operate their own application servers.
Who Manages Infrastructure, Security, and Data in SaaS?
In SaaS cloud computing, the provider manages the underlying software infrastructure, while customers control how they use the application and who can access their information.
Although SaaS reduces infrastructure management, security and data protection still involve responsibilities on both sides.
SaaS Provider Responsibilities
The SaaS provider maintains the hosted application, servers, operating systems, and supporting cloud infrastructure.
Its responsibilities typically include software updates, infrastructure monitoring, application maintenance, and security controls for the services it operates.
The provider may also handle data backups, disaster recovery, and service availability according to its contractual commitments.
Customer Responsibilities
Customers manage user accounts, access permissions, and the information they enter into the application.
They should enable multi-factor authentication where available, review user privileges, and configure security settings according to their organization’s requirements.
Customers are also responsible for appropriate data handling and reviewing third-party integrations connected to their accounts.
The exact division of responsibilities depends on the SaaS provider, service agreement, and application features.
Conclusion
A SaaS diagram in cloud computing explains how users connect to hosted applications and how different cloud components work together to process requests and manage information.
Basic SaaS diagrams illustrate the connection between client devices, application services, and cloud infrastructure. Multi-tenant diagrams show how customers can share application resources while maintaining separate access to their data.
Understanding these architecture models helps readers recognize how SaaS applications operate and which responsibilities belong to providers and customers.
