A Multi-granularity Customization Relationship Model for SaaS

SaaS (Software as a Service) is becoming a popular research field for its feature of novel schema in software development. In this schema, service providers are in charge of constructing, managing and maintaining the necessary IT supporting infrastructure and the platform for operating services, while tenants take use of the customization functions to cement their own individual applications on the platform. However, current studies on customization mechanisms are difficult in validating the complex relationships between customized composites in the customization phase. In the view of this situation, this paper proposes a customization relationship model for supporting the multi-granularity relationship in the multi-tenant environment of SaaS. Analyzing from data, service, process and user interface levels, it guides the actions of customization behavior. We also bring forward corresponding engines and validation algorithms to guarantee the correction of customization production by tenants.