1. Background – Issues – Project objectives

1.1 The rise of cloud computing and SaaS in French companies

At the end of 2013, cloud computing, i.e. the provision of IT services (servers, storage, databases, network components, software, analysis tools, etc.) via the Internet, was enjoying strong growth in France and around the world.

Among the various components of cloud computing, the fastest-growing is Software as a Service (SaaS), i.e. the provision of software remotely by a supplier, accessible via an Internet browser, rented by the month or by usage, and updated automatically.

In its 2013 report, the French Software Publishers Association (AFDEL) states: "SaaS is today the most mature and fastest-growing offering in the software niche" and adds: "SaaS solutions are increasingly...