Almost every business has some piece of software that is central to its operations. This software could come in the form of an accounting, invoicing, or CRM package. It is the software that drives the business forward. However, this important software isn’t very versatile and can be very expensive. Now, things have changed. The very same software is easily available via web browsers at affordable prices. A new era has dawned upon us with cloud-based software as a service.

 

What is SAAS?

Software As A Service (SAAS) is software that is managed remotely by a provider which is then leased out to companies. SAAS software usually run in the cloud and can be accessed via an internet browser.

An example of SAAS is Google Sheets. In order to make use of the app, all you would need to do is log into google sheet. The software and all of its features will be readily available within the browser. On the other hand, Sheets competitor MS Excel has to be installed onto your computer.

More Examples of industries using SAAS:-

• • Gaming
  • Music production
  • Video editing
  • Accounting
  • Administration
  • Sales
  • CRM
  • Marketing

SAAS eliminates many of the drawbacks that users experience with traditional software systems. SAAS also has plenty of advantages for its users, especially corporate business. Below are 10 examples of why SAAS is making such a large impact on the world today.

1. Pay As You Go

Most SAAS software companies offer month to month payment plans and an optional yearly plan. This allows you to accurately predict any monthly fees that are associated with the software. There’s no real need to fully commit here as you can simply choose to put the service on hold or terminate the service completely.

2. No Installation and Transition Costs

Traditional software requires a huge upfront investment before you can even start using the software. Apart from the cost of the actual software, you will need to provide for other additional costs as well.

There are expenses attached to everything like the following:-

• Physical installation discs
• Upgrading computer hardware in order to be compatible to the software
• Purchase of a new server PC may be required
• The hiring of IT staff to assist with networking and installation
• Training and migration costs

Most SAAS software works simply within a compatible browser. No need to make any major changes to your company’s infrastructure. SAAS companies also do a great job of including tutorials and support within the software.

Source: quora

 

3. Upgrades and Updates

Traditional commercial software required businesses to manually install updates with a CD. In most cases, they would have to purchase the CD which is then couriered to the office. This is a slow, costly, and primitive means of staying up to date. If the software you bought has a major update, you will in most cases be required to repurchase the latest version.

With SAAS, everything is taken care off by the vendor. Updates and upgrades are all done in-house. All you need to do is continue to log into the software via your web browser.

 

4. Customization

Some SAAS companies allow each individual users to customize the software to suit their needs and business processes. All this is done while not interfering with the common software infrastructure. The customization options you make will be preserved within the software, even after scheduled updates.

 

5. Stronger Global Access

International companies will love the fact that you will be able to seamlessly collaborate with other team members that are abroad. No need for complicated networking, privileges, and encrypted data over secure networks. Everyone can operate on a system that is currently running on the same most up to date version of the software.

 

6. Work Anywhere!

This is an absolute game changer. The ability to work as normal from anywhere you please is something that was unheard of just a few years ago.

Most corporate accounting packages require a server PC in which to install the host data. This data is accessed by the employees of the company with PCs that are on the same network as the server PC. This meant you had to be physically logged into the company network in order to process ledger entries.

With SAAS, you can view and edit your journal entries from any PC with a browser that is compatible with the software. Some SAAS companies offer mobile apps which allow you to view and manipulate data straight from your smartphone.

 

7. High Software Adoption Rate

As mentioned earlier, it is a costly affair for companies that wish to migrate over to new software that is at the heart of the business. These software systems are very specialized and are difficult to learn. Training will most likely be required. This is why staff members hate adopting such software.

However, SAAS apps are easily accessible via web browsers and have a generally lower learning curve than traditional software. Most SAAS companies create their software with the intention of reaching a broad audience.

In order to do so, they make sure that the software is as user-friendly as possible. This makes it easier for companies to migrate to new software as employees will be able to master the new software quickly.

 

8. Support for Multiple Devices

SAAS software that runs in web browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox already have a world of possibilities open for their users. Users can now access their software anywhere via multiple devices that have internet browsers.

There are also plenty of SAAS companies that are porting their software into popular app stores for both Apple and Android users. This increases the versatility of the software in a big way as you can now access your data quickly all the time from your smartphone or tablet.

 

9. No Need for IT Administrators

As mentioned earlier, all updates, maintained everything, and other technical tasks are taken care of by the SAAS provider. There is no need for companies to have an IT technician on standby to troubleshoot when there is a problem. No need to manually run patches or upgrades as well, all gets done internally by the software provider.

 

10. Software Management

A SAAS app will be completely managed by its vendor or host. Service level agreements (SLA) govern the support commitment that a provider should make to a subscriber. This is why a provider is compelled to ensure that their software is managed properly and meets all the requirements of the SLA.

The transition to SAAS will not be easy due to the market currently dominated by traditional software systems. However, more companies (especially small businesses) are beginning to adopt SAAS and integrate it into the business. Software as a service is certainly the future of commercial software.