An Examination of the Economic Value and Contribution to Energy Efficiency of SaaS Solutions: The Case of E-Invoicing

This paper examines the SaaS business model with a focus on its economic value and its contribution to energy efficiency. It takes a theoretical approach to examine SaaS from different aspects and develops a conceptual framework comprising six layers. A case study in the field of e-invoicing serves as testimonial for a discussion of affected layers and aspects concerning its economic value and energy efficiency. Results indicate that both the costs and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by more than 60% by using an integrated SaaS solution, with still potential remaining on the inter-organizational level.