SaaS (Software As a Service) is one of the best-known branches of Cloud Computing and has been widely used for almost a decade. But what exactly is it, and What are the main advantages? Find out everything there is to know about SaaS in this blog.
Software As a Service (Saas) is not considered a new concept. The model originated in the second half of the last century – in the form of terminals that were equipped with a keyboard and monitor but did not have a processor. All devices were attached to the mainframe (the main computer of the data centre with a large amount of memory), where the user data was located. With the development of technology, the Saas system has also changed. Today, these models have completely moved to the cloud; the information is stored there.
What is SaaS?
Software as a Service, or SaaS, is a software distribution model where applications are hosted by third-party providers and made available to customers over the Internet. SaaS is one of the three main types of cloud computing, known as ‘the cloud’, along with infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS).
SaaS is closely related to Application Service Provider (ASP)
and on-demand computing software delivery models. The business model for SaaS-hosted applications is similar to that of ASP, where the provider hosts client software and distributes it to authorized end users on the network.
In the SaaS model, the vendor provides the customer with network access to a single copy of the application written specifically for a SaaS distribution. The application’s source code is unique for all customers, but the functionalities may vary according to needs. The same is true for the storage of customer data, which varies according to the level of service. The data in question can thus be stored locally or in the cloud, or both at the same time. Businesses have the ability to integrate SaaS applications into other software using programming interfaces. For example, a company can create its own software tools and use the SaaS provider’s APIs to integrate them with the SaaS offering.
There are SaaS applications for major business services like email, sales management, customer relationship management (CRM), financial management, human resource management, payroll, etc.
Also Read: Need of Custom SaaS CRM software development
Top 5 Advantages of Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service has many advantages as shown below:
1. Cost reduction – The main advantage of SaaS software is that the company saves money since it no longer needs to install and launch applications on its own computers and/or data centres. Thus, there is no longer any expense relating to the acquisition of equipment or supplies. It also eliminates maintenance, software licensing, support and installation costs.
The company no longer has to invest in software to install, which also requires specific equipment to support it. All you need to do is subscribe to a SaaS offer by opting for a monthly or annual subscription, depending on the needs, and paying a rate proportional to the use. This flexibility allows the company to establish a more precise budget in an easy way. Also, the subscription can be terminated at any time to eliminate the expense.
2. Personalization of the solution: access to features on demand – SaaS also has another advantage, which is scalability. In other words, the company can decide which features it wants to use according to its needs; all it has to do is ask. In this way, SaaS adapts to the specific needs of each business.
Also, the business no longer needs to purchase new software on a regular basis since the SaaS provider can perform automatic updates and support the addition of hotfix patches. This also gives the advantage of not having to mobilize internal IT specialists.
3. Easily accessible and easy to manage – Software as Services or SaaS are delivered via the Internet, which allows their users to use them from any connected device (PC, tablet, Smartphone, etc.) and from anywhere, on the sole condition of having a connection. This accessibility is more than advantageous for companies whose employees are often on the move. Moreover, a SaaS application can be used simultaneously by thousands of end users since it is stored in the Cloud.
Also, The SaaS software is managed by the service provider, which represents less work for the company’s staff and, in particular, the IT department. The latter no longer has to install software and take care of license management as well as updates and maintenance work. This allows employees to focus on the core business of the company by focusing on tasks with more added value.
4. Data security – At a time when data security is essential for all businesses, SaaS has a very valuable advantage. Indeed, the Cloud architectures in which it is stored offer the same level of security to all users. As a result, the data is stored remotely on a server and in the event of local hardware and software malfunction, the risk of data loss is minimal.
5. Application Resilience – Storing the SaaS software in the cloud allows the company to benefit from a certain resiliency. In other words, even in the event that the company’s premises suffer a disaster such as a fire or a flood, the data is not affected, and activities can be resumed quickly. Indeed, it is enough to get your hands on computers and other media connected to the Internet to get back to work.
Wrapping it up;
Today, modern companies no longer need to host their software in a local storage space using SaaS mode. This is already a major asset among the others mentioned above. Furthermore, SaaS providers have every interest in seeing the number of users of their products increase and to do this; they take care to maintain a constant level of performance. This allows companies to benefit from quality services and to be assured of finding ever more efficient SaaS applications.
SaaS & Cloud Application Design and Development