What type of software is NetSuite classified as?

NetSuite is classified as Software as a Service (SaaS) because it is a cloud-based solution that provides users with access to enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), and e-commerce capabilities through the internet. As a SaaS application, it eliminates the need for organizations to install and run applications on their own computers or in their own data centers. Instead, users can access NetSuite from any device with internet connectivity, receiving regular updates, security, and maintenance managed by NetSuite. This model allows businesses to scale easily, as they can change their subscription or access additional features as needed, making it highly flexible and cost-effective.

In contrast, desktop applications require local installation and are typically limited to a single device, which poses challenges for collaboration and remote access. Open-source platforms provide users with the source code, allowing modification and distribution, which is not a characteristic of NetSuite. A local database system implies that data is stored and managed on a specific machine rather than in the cloud, that does not align with the SaaS nature of NetSuite.