What is SaaS?
In previous articles we have talked extensively about tailor-made CRM systems, their functions and why one is needed in the company! This time we would like to tell you about what SaaS (Software as a Service) really is, or software as a service.
"Software as a service (SaaS), sometimes also called "software on demand". It is a software delivery model in which software and related data are centralized and stored in the cloud. SaaS is usually accessed by users via the Internet and web browser.
Put simply, SaaS is a solution created by cloud architecture for software that allows data to be accessed from any device via the Internet and web browser. The provider manages the infrastructure in which the application is maintained, while the customer pays a monthly subscription fee for the service, which is usually determined based on the number of users of the software.
In this article we will tell you what SaaS software can be, what are their advantages and disadvantages, and why choose to build your own SaaS.
SaaS Software
Although recently companies have tended to develop tailor-made software based on the specifics of the company, still, many companies use SaaS. Perhaps your company, too. For example, some accounting, warehouse accounting system, such as Visma, Maximus, C1, Alamora or someone else. These are all software as a service (SaaS).
Also CRM (customer and transaction accounting system), ERP (enterprise resource planning system) can be SaaS.
The best known SaaS CRM systems are Scoro, Zoho CRM and AmoCRM, and the most commonly used ERP systems are Visma Horizon and Microsoft Dynamics.
SaaS for companies are available for various business applications, customer relationship management (CRM), invoicing, contract preparation / payroll processing, sales process management, human resources management (HRM), financial management, database management, enterprise resource planning (ERP), content management, as well as document editing and management.
The most important advantages of SaaS for customers
- No software installation required.
- Access is provided remotely via the Internet browser
- Fast implementation in the company
- The service includes technical support, which means that the company's IT department does not have an extra load
- Low technical requirements for devices
- High security because the software operator regularly backs up data (backup)
The main disadvantages of saaS
- A continuous Internet connection is required to use the software
- The functionality is based on the most typical needs of companies and may not fully meet the specifics of the company
- It is not possible to individually expand and adjust the functionality as the company's needs grow
- Technical support response time to requests will not be instantaneous
- Data security. When choosing newly developed, as yet untested SaaS, which could be cheaper in terms of costs, do not rush to store important data in them.
- Privacy. If you want the data to be on your company's servers only, SaaS will not be for you.
Why build your own SaaS
The user does not buy the SaaS application, but rents it, paying a certain subscription fee for it every month. This is considered one of the main advantages of Saas. According to a survey conducted by Computer Economics in 2017, around 60% of companies have implemented at least one SaaS solution in their business and 36% plan to invest in software in the future. To date, indicators have grown and continue to grow.
- SaaS development is an investment protection because the client is attached to the software and cannot continue to use it by abandoning the service
- In the future, subscriber income will be higher than from licenses
- Competition in global markets
- SaaS business is only growing in popularity
If until now you weren't quite sure what SaaS was, we hope that after reading this article, it became clear.