As cloud computing becomes increasingly popular with companies looking to cut IT costs and increase efficiency, it is not surprising that cloud services providers seem to offer Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions to meet just about every business need.

Cloud vendors are specifically targeting life science companies by developing SaaS products that meet industry-specific compliance requirements. These specialized products can manage a range of regulated activities, such as the application of electronic signatures and the management of pharmacovigilance cases.

The sales pitch is enticing - avoid the costs (and headaches) that come with maintaining internal IT infrastructure, while utilizing software that allows your organization to operate in accordance with applicable regulations. But is this promise too good to be true? Let’s take a closer look at some important considerations that should be taken into account when validating a SaaS product to manage GxP content and achieve compliance in the cloud.