Software as a Service – SaaS

Software as a Service – SaaS has drastically changed the way how Businesses manage their various departments as a whole. As the IT landscape evolves, businesses are turning to the cloud to save money, streamline operations, and take advantage of scalability. This is especially true for many businesses shifting away from on-premise installations and toward SaaS-based solutions.

While many cloud services eliminate the need to purchase expensive hardware, Software as a Service (SaaS) eliminates the need to physically purchase, install, and deploy application software across an organization. In theory, SaaS allocates the costs of initial purchase, ongoing maintenance, and security management to a third-party vendor, allowing the client to focus resources on other, potentially more productive activities. 

What is SaaS?

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a licensing model in which the customer or client receives access to an application on a subscription basis. A third-party vendor manages access and is in charge of security, maintenance, and feature upgrades. The software is hosted on external servers rather than internal servers and is typically accessed via a web browser via the internet.

While the vendor owns and continues to maintain the source code for SaaS applications, the data that goes into and is generated by SaaS applications is generally the responsibility of the customer or client. The data may be stored locally, in the cloud, or in a combination of the two.

SaaS applications tend to fall into one of two categories:

• Vertical refers to SaaS applications built to serve a specific industry such as healthcare or financial institutions.
• Horizontal refers to SaaS applications built to serve a specific market such as office productivity or customer relationship management.

When is SaaS useful?

A number of applications are well-suited to the SaaS distribution model, and the ability to access software that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive provides a significant competitive advantage in many cases. Email, messaging, collaboration platforms, productivity suites, customer relationship management, billing, payroll, sales management, human resource management, content management, and database management are just a few of the applications and tools available through SaaS.

SaaS allows SMBs, professionals, consultants, and individuals working in the gig economy to gain access to sophisticated software, applications, and tools that are critical to the management of their respective businesses. Large companies can delegate some of the costs of software development and maintenance to third parties, allowing them to focus their resources on data management and security.

Why would you want to use a product delivered “as a service”?

Consumers

SaaS apps are one of the simplest and most dependable ways for consumers to use digital services or products. You simply connect to them via the internet, pay for the service, and use them. Thousands of SaaS application services aimed at consumers have emerged in recent years, including:

• Netflix
• Microsoft Office 365
• Amazon Prime
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Google Docs
• Salesforce and etc.

Another notable benefit for consumers is the ability to access or disconnect SaaS products on demand; no longer do you need to spend hundreds of dollars on a software license. Most SaaS products have a variety of pricing options, including a monthly subscription option that you can cancel at any time. This self-service approach enables users to get up and running quickly.

Business

Software delivered “as a service” allows businesses to offer their products at scale, globally, while maintaining overall control over their product. Other advantages of implementing SaaS architecture in business include, but are not limited to:

• Time to market  narrowed
• Reduced maintenance costs
• Improved automation
• Upgrades made simpler
• Less expensive
• Single instance trials are possible because companies do not need to commit large sums of money to test software.

Some of today’s most exciting B2B technologies are delivered and through SaaS cloud-native architecture. Microsoft, for example, has effectively democratized complex machine learning algorithms into easily consumed cloud-based web services through its Cognitive Services APIs.

Businesses can easily integrate these SaaS components into their existing applications to improve the functionality offered to their customers. The vendor has handled all debugging and testing for the SaaS component, so the company does not need to worry about it.

How does SaaS work?

SaaS is a software-as-a-service delivery model for on-demand computing. It is comparable to application service provision (ASP). In the case of ASP, external providers host customer software and deliver it via online user interfaces.

SaaS providers can provide customers with network access to applications. Customer information can be stored locally or in the cloud. SaaS can also be linked to other software via an API.

IT professionals, CIOs, and business users from startups to multinational corporations use SaaS applications to support standard technology setups like:

• Email
• Sales management
• Customer relationship management
• Financial management
• Human resource management (HRM)
• Collaboration
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) 
• Document management 
• Billing or payroll processing
• Database management
• Content management

What are the advantages of SaaS?

SaaS has several advantages over on-premises infrastructure. For example, SaaS reduces labor-intensive data management as well as financial pressures and governmental inefficiencies. However, the following are the primary benefits of deploying SaaS in business:

Flexible payments

SaaS reduces the need for organizations to buy and install expensive, durable IT facilities. Instead, customers sign up for a SaaS package and pay monthly based on usage. When businesses use SaaS, they have greater control over their expenses. Expenses are more predictable and, if necessary, can be terminated at any time.

Scalability and integration

SaaS as well as other cloud-based services have a high degree of scalability. Customers can change their SaaS plans at any time based on their requirements and desire. They can choose to use more or fewer features, depending on their needs.

Mobilize

SaaS reduces workforce mobilization. SaaS apps can be accessed from any device. Apps do not have to be developed for specific devices, and workforces do not have to be specialized. All security and information technology disputes are resolved as a portion of their provider agreement.

Access from anywhere

Even though SaaS stores data in the cloud, users can access information from any location. For mobile and remote communications, this is fantastic news. SaaS applications will be accessible from any internet-connected computer, mobile iOS, or Android device. It means that data is always supported to prevent data loss when devices fail.

Easy to use

SaaS tools are easy to use. You don’t have to be an IT professional to make the most of such tools, which means businesses can concentrate their efforts on what’s most important to them. Because users do not need to download complicated software, earlier unreachable software systems are now easily available.

Advantages on the basis 

On the Basis of Business 

SaaS reduces the time and delivery of an application or software because it eliminates the need for architecture planning, software implementation, application customization, performance testing, load testing, and so on. It also frees up human resources, allowing customers to concentrate on core businesses and content delivery rather than underlying technologies.

On the Basis of Technical 

SaaS provides scalability and high availability across multiple geographical locations. For example, if the number of users grows rapidly, a SaaS application can serve users in Asia and Europe without experiencing performance or scalability issues.

Traditionally, enterprise software implementation takes months from project start to production go-live. SaaS reduces delivery time from months to days or even hours.

Patch management for an application and its underlying stack is always a pain point in any enterprise, especially if policies or standards such as PCI DSS are required. SaaS eliminates the need for consumers to use their own resources or coordinate/communicate with various stakeholders for patch management activities.

On the Basis of Financial 

SaaS, like IaaS and PaaS, typically provides financial flexibility. Pay-As-You-Go and Subscription are two common billing methods for SaaS services. Costs are based on actual usage and increase over time and with the number of users.

What are the disadvantages of SaaS?

Despite glowing reviews, SaaS can cause problems for its users. Let’s take a look at some of the most common drawbacks.

Lack of control

The convenience of SaaS comes at the expense of control. Companies rely on third-party service providers to distribute, manage, and maintain software.

Security and data 

Your company’s information will be saved in the cloud. This entails placing your trust in your external service provider to handle sensitive data effectively.

Limited range of applications

You are limited to the tools and applications provided by your service provider. Most providers offer a wide range of applications, but this convenience comes at the expense of total customization.`

Connectivity requirements

Service disruption occurs from time to time for SaaS providers. That means inappropriate and unexpected changes to the usual service experience. This could result in a security breach, so it’s critical to have a service level agreement (SLA) in place.

Capabilities of SaaS Solutions

SaaS platforms offer a diverse set of capabilities. Especially when combined with other cloud offerings such as IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service).

Cloud technology, such as Microsoft Azure, enables you to set up servers that can host websites, databases, and other applications. Infrastructure that was previously physically installed on business premises and managed by internal IT teams can now be provisioned from an online dashboard with a few mouse clicks.

SaaS solutions can be deployed in these environments and, in theory, offer any type of service that can be developed as a software application, which can include, but is not limited to:

• Office applications
• Email and instant messaging
• Social media
• Fintech services
• Exposing 3rd Party APIs
• Security and authentication
• Machine Learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Location Services
• Data streaming and lookup services

When it comes to the capabilities of a software product developed as a SaaS platform, I believe you’ll agree that there aren’t many constraints.

Top SaaS Companies and Products:

 

Here’s the list of the top 15 Top SaaS Companies and Products to look out for in 2020

• Salesforce

Salesforces is widely regarded as the industry’s forefather in the SaaS sector. This company, which was founded nearly 15 years ago, is widely regarded as the industry leader in Customer Relationship Management. Salesforce and Lightning UX are Sales Force’s current SaaS product offerings.

• Troop Messenger

 The web-based- messenger is a complete and accurate online messaging application for businesses that is cloud-based and has characteristics including instant chat, audio calling, video calling, audio messaging, and screen sharing. This emerging player in the unified communication chat market should be on the lookout for the SaaS and self-hosting models.

• Mail trim

The majority of client interactions take place via email. The Mail Trim business email software allows team members to receive emails from multiple accounts in a single inbox. Business owners can sign up for a free account to explore the sophisticated and clean user interface, as well as the unique emailing features. Users can currently choose between two editions: Mail Trim Personal and Mail Trim Business.

• Proof Hub

Proof Hub is an award-winning project management company that offers SaaS applications for project management and team collaboration. It focuses on making it easier for teams to manage their projects and become more productive.

• Oracle

After Salesforce, Oracle is the second-largest SaaS company. Oracle Fusion, its software platform that focuses on CRM and financial services, was recently launched.

• MuleSoft

MuleSoft has its own set of API or Any point Platform of Integration products. These product suites aid in the integration of SaaS with applications on both mobile and through systems.

• Google

Google controls a large number of SaaS products that aid in analytics, online advertising, document creation, and other areas.

• Adobe

 Adobe is the global leader in SaaS products for printing and publishing, as well as marketing.

• Microsoft

Microsoft’s SaaS product, Office 365, provides its customers with the MS Office suite. Microsoft’s cloud-based services serve as a major platform for their on-premise SaaS products. Azure, an ISV platform, is Microsoft’s most recent and popular SaaS offering.

• SAP

SAP Business By Design from SAP provides a comprehensive suite of products required to run an entire business organization, with applications ranging from customer service and human resources to sales and services.

• Slack

Even though Slack does not offer on-premise chat for extended data security, it does provide the Slack App Directory, which is a suite of approximately 1500 applications where you can find an application for advanced security. Users can integrate these applications into their own platforms or create their own applications using APIs.

• Service Now

Now Platform, ServiceNow’s vast product suite, includes a number of products and services that aid in the digitization of workflows.

•  Zoom

Zoom is a video communications company that offers a cloud-based communications platform for online meetings, video conferencing, chat, and other similar services.

•  MathWorks

 MathWorks produces mathematical computing software, the most well-known of which is “MathLabs.” Engineers and product developers are the primary users of cloud-based products.

• Shopify

 Shopify provides cloud-based e-commerce solutions. The company provides 100 % secure and mobile commerce-ready services through its products Shopify Plus Enterprise and Shopify POS system.

• Atlassian

Atlassian will provide organization software-based products and services to content managers, product developers, and software developers. Their most popular products are Jira and Confluence.

• Bookafy

It is one of the most user-friendly online schedulers. Simply create your calendar rules and share the link to your scheduling page with clients, and they can begin scheduling appointments. There will be no more back-and-forth between you and your client. Bookafy has a robust feature set that was designed for enterprise appointment booking and is used by small businesses all over the world. Beautiful, simple, and strong.

• Xero

Xero is a cloud accounting software provider for accountants and small businesses. Automatic bank and credit card account feeds, invoicing, accounts payable, expense claims, fixed asset depreciation, purchase orders, and standard business and management reporting are among its key features.

• HubSpot

HubSpot creates inbound marketing software that is cloud-based and provides businesses with tools for social media marketing, content management, web analytics, customer service, customer support, customer experience, and search engine optimization (SEO).

• Zuora

Zuora is a SaaS company that automates billing, commerce, financial operations, subscription payments tracking, invoicing, products, and catalogs for customers who use a subscription-based business model.

 Conclusion

SaaS has numerous advantages, and as a result, SaaS remains an appealing option for many businesses. Businesses can benefit from adding SaaS to their IT service portfolio. All you need for SaaS is an internet connection. When incorporating a SaaS application into your organization, only two critical factors are taken into account: integration and composition.