{"id":856,"date":"2024-02-02T11:58:18","date_gmt":"2024-02-02T16:58:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/?page_id=856"},"modified":"2025-05-12T06:50:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T10:50:55","slug":"saas-paas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/saas-paas\/","title":{"rendered":"SaaS and PaaS"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Streamlining Software Deployment<\/h3>\n\nThe Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) Factories are\ncritical components of VA\u2019s Software Factory  Model (SWF), serving as primary choices for\nstreamlined software delivery.\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"286\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/02\/SaaSPaaSLogo.png?w=286\" alt=\"SaaS &amp; PaaS Factory Logos\" class=\"wp-image-927\"><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Play Decisions<\/h3>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Commodity, Customized Commodity, or Highly Differentiated<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Faster Product Delivery:<\/b> Utilizing pre-existing solutions\nnot only speeds up the product delivery process but is\nalso a more budget-friendly alternative compared to\ncreating a new, unique solution.<\/li>\n<li><b>Reduced Technical Debt:<\/b> Relying on SaaS\/PaaS\nsolutions significantly decreases technical debt.\nUnlike custom solutions that mandate the retention of\ndedicated personnel with specialized programming\nabilities, the responsibility for SaaS\/PaaS solutions\nrests with the vendor.<\/li>\n<li><b>Low\/No Code Solutions:<\/b> SaaS solutions are\nimmediately available for deployment without\nany requisite VA coding. On the other hand, PaaS\nincorporates pre-developed application components\nsuch as workflow management, directory services,\nsecurity measures, and search functionality. This\nensures swift adaptability and rollout.<\/li> <\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n <li><b>Compliance and Data Safeguarding:<\/b> PaaS and SaaS\nsolutions meet the standards set by FedRAMP and\npossess VA Authority to Operate (ATO). These solutions\nguarantee data security, fortified infrastructure\nprotection, and a comprehensive data recovery strategy.<\/li>\n<li><b>Citizen Developer Program:<\/b> With user-friendly\nlow code\/no code tools in PaaS solutions, VA staff,\nirrespective of their coding proficiency, are equipped to\ndesign applications. This initiative is a cornerstone of\nVA\u2019s Citizen Developer Program.<\/li>\n<li><b>Reusability of Resources:<\/b> By repurposing ATOs,\ncomponents, and products, we achieve rapid value\ndelivery with reduced administrative steps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"720\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1280 \/ 720;\" width=\"1280\" controls preload=\"auto\"src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/Video-1-SaaS-SWF-Overview-vF.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Software as a Service (SaaS) Software Factory<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/02\/resources-icon_blue.png?w=300\" alt=\"Logo with circle around a overlapping wrench and screwdriver\" class=\"wp-image-853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/02\/resources-icon_blue.png 360w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2024\/02\/resources-icon_blue.png?resize=300,300 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SaaS &amp; PaaS Resources<\/h3>\n\nAll links require PIV or CAG access.&nbsp;\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Platform as a Service (PaaS) Software Factory<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-12.png?w=300\" alt class=\"wp-image-505\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-12.png 751w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-12.png?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-12.png?resize=600,600 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Efficient Customization<\/h3>\n\nOffers the flexibility to tailor software to VA&#8217;s unique needs while utilizing reliable platform services.\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-13.png\" alt class=\"wp-image-506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-13.png 360w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-13.png?resize=300,300 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Streamlined Development<\/h3>\n\nProvides comprehensive tools and services for a more efficient software development process.\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-10.png?w=300\" alt class=\"wp-image-504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-10.png 750w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-10.png?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-10.png?resize=600,600 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduced Technical Debt<\/h3>\n\nPaaS minimizes the need for specialized programming skills, significantly reducing technical debt.\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14.png?w=360\" alt class=\"wp-image-511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14.png 360w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14.png?resize=300,300 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"751\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-16.png?w=751\" alt class=\"wp-image-513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-16.png 751w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-16.png?resize=300,300 300w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-16.png?resize=600,600 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 751px) 100vw, 751px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scalability and Flexibility<\/h3>\n\nEnables easy scaling of applications to meet changing requirements, ensuring long-term efficiency.\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-15.png?w=360\" alt class=\"wp-image-512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-15.png 360w, https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/17\/2023\/12\/MicrosoftTeams-image-15.png?resize=300,300 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Collaborative Environment<\/h3>\n\nEnhances teamwork by offering a shared platform with common tools and resources.\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Robust Security<\/h3>\n\nAdheres to strict security and privacy standards, crucial for government services.\n\nThe PaaS Software Factory is a key element in VA&#8217;s Software Factory Model. It focuses on blending customization with efficiency, making it ideal for building specific, robust software applications while reducing technical debt.&nbsp;\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\">Expand All<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I learn more about SaaS\/PaaS and the Software Factory?&nbsp;<\/h5>\n\nLearn more about VA\u2019s Software Factory Model by visiting the OIT Digital Transformation Portal &#8211; VA&#8217;s Software Factory Model. View detailed information on the respective pages for the PaaS Software Factory and SaaS Software Factory. To learn more, you can also submit a Consultation Request from the DigitalVA Product Marketplace and select the option that best fits your interest.&nbsp;\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do SaaS products have published Technical Roadmaps? Do SaaS products follow Product Line Management practices?&nbsp;<br><\/h5>\n\nThere is a process map we follow to support SaaS\/PaaS process and implementation. Each vendor can provide a roadmap if requested of their products. We do work through the Product Line Management (PLM) practices and SaaS has reached full maturity.&nbsp;\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For products that offer similar capabilities, how do you decide which SaaS platform should be used?&nbsp;<\/h5>\n\nWe provide Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to all customers, including those products that are already a part of the catalog. There is a matrix that is used to support the AoA and has defined criteria to help support the business decision. To add further support and review, there is a Gateway Decision that is completed by Digital Transformation Center (DTC) leadership to review the AoA, the matrix, and the decision being put forward by the business.&nbsp; &nbsp;\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can we find VA pre-approved software list?&nbsp;<\/h5>\n\nVisit the <a href=\"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/marketplace\/\">DigitalVA Product Marketplace<\/a>. If you want to make a request, you can open a ticket with the DTC SaaS team. Once submitted, the Intake team will reach out to you to gather some additional information.&nbsp;\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the actual cycle times for PaaS and SaaS?&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/h5>\n\nFor PaaS, it depends on the size of the scope and development time. The more complex, the longer the development cycle is going to be, but the range is between six and 18 months.<br><br><b>Timelines for SaaS:<\/b><ul>\n<li>Products that have both a FedRAMP Authority to Operate (ATO) and a VA ATO: approximately 4 \u2013 16 weeks<\/li>\n<li>Products that do not involve VA data and therefore do not require an ATO: approximately 12 \u2013 18 weeks<\/li>\n<li>Products where an agency outside VA has sponsored the FedRAMP ATO and require a VA ATO: approximately 1 \u2013 1.5 years<\/li>\n<li>Products that need VA sponsorship for their FedRAMP ATO and require a VA ATO: approximately 1.5 \u2013 2 years&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Streamlining Software Deployment The Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) Factories are critical components of VA\u2019s Software Factory Model (SWF), serving as primary choices for streamlined software delivery. Play Decisions Commodity, Customized Commodity, or Highly Differentiated Faster Product Delivery: Utilizing pre-existing solutions not only speeds up the product delivery process [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"wf_page_folders":[],"class_list":["post-856","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"meta_box":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=856"}],"version-history":[{"count":76,"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2689,"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/856\/revisions\/2689"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"wf_page_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digital.va.gov\/software-factory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wf_page_folders?post=856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}