Using multiple SaaS providers when employees or departments are allowed to choose their own applications without IT authorization. Although software as a service (SaaS) relieves the IT department of maintenance, it should still be involved in software selection. When several software solutions are used for the same purpose, security can be an issue, and training new hires may also be a problem. SaaS sprawl is often more costly, and government compliance issues may also arise. Employee-owned applications on their own laptops used on the job are also part of software sprawl. See software sprawl, shadow IT and SaaS.