Cloud Computing

Software As A Service (SAAS)

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Overview

What is SaaS?

Also known as on-demand software, SaaS is about making programmes and apps available over the web, rather than having businesses download and install them on their own computers.

This setup means you can access them from anywhere, whether you’re stuck in traffic or working from a coffee shop and your organisation doesn’t have to lift a finger when it comes to updates, configurations, and patches. And with a wide variety of different service models and pricing options giving you more flexibility and bang for your buck.

In your personal life, a streaming service like Netflix is actually a great example of a SaaS system – just think of it, though, as a version geared towards individual consumers rather than businesses.

On an organisational level, third-party vendor customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource management (ERP) products such as Salesforce, MailChimp, Hubspot and ZenDesk are common SaaS business use examples.

IaaS & PaaS vs Software as a Service

Historically, enterprises have operated their software on their own computer networks or internal infrastructure. Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) are partially self-managed solutions. However, in recent years, many customers and vendors have switched to the Software as a Service business model.

IaaS and PaaS still rely on the business owner to maintain many of the services, where SaaS systems allow business owners to focus on other aspects of their organisation, and watch as their business grows. SaaS applications are an ingenious and secure process of delivering applications over the net.

Role of SaaS companies

A third-party vendor, also known as a SaaS company, develops a cloud-based software application and then operates and hosts that service over the Internet for clients who subscribe to the service provider. Software companies are developing more and more software solutions that are optimised for use with cloud providers on the cloud platform.

With the SaaS offerings, businesses no longer have to buy, install, update, and maintain software and hardware, freeing them from intricate hardware and software management.

Software solutions like SaaS applications will provide your company with the technology and tools you need to be a leader in your industry, leaving the hard work to the service provider to manage your software and apps.

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Benefits

SaaS Capabilities

There are a number of benefits that come with using SaaS over the on-premise option:

  • Cost savings: With SaaS, customers basically pay for only the services they actually need – and they only pay when they’re using them – which is often a lot more cost-effective than having to shell out for and maintain their own in-house software.
  • Flexibility: Because SaaS apps are accessed over the internet, you can use them from just about anywhere as long as you’ve got a connection. That makes it a lot easier for people in the office, working from home or on the go to get the apps they need.
  • Scalability: with SaaS, you can scale up or down in a jiffy – which can be a lifesaver if you’ve got a business that’s experiencing wild fluctuations in demand.
  • Up to date technology: SaaS providers take care of the maintenance and updates on their applications – which means you can always be running the latest version of the software.
  • Reduced IT burden: Because the SaaS provider is the one hosting and maintaining the apps, that frees up your IT staff to put their time to better use.
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Drawbacks of SaaS software

Like any tech, SaaS has its downsides and potential drawbacks. Some of the not-so-good sides of SaaS include:

  • Lack of control: Because SaaS apps are hosted by some other company, you might end up with less control over the tech than you’d like, and have to live with whatever the provider’s policies happen to be.
  • Trouble with internet connections: Since SaaS apps are online, you typically need a solid and reliable internet connection to use them – which can be a problem if you’re in a place with sketchy internet or it goes down.
  • Security worries: Like with any cloud-based tech, there are security concerns with SaaS. The SaaS provider is usually on top of things and has security measures in place to keep your data safe – but there’s always a small risk of a breach or other security issue.
  • Customisation limitations: Since SaaS apps are shared among loads of users, they may not be as tweakable as on-premises software which can be customised to suit a business’s needs.
  • Integration issues: It’s not always easy to get SaaS apps to play nice with other systems and apps that a business is already using, which can create problems and require some extra effort to work around.
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OUR Solution

SaaS services tailored to you

Cloud services technology and ever-faster network speeds have now developed far enough for Software as a Service (SaaS) to be the most sensible and efficient way of utilising software apps and technology. TechBrain can deliver solutions for your business by using SaaS technologies to give you an excellent experience with cloud applications and storage options.

This method also allows TechBrain to provide you with the solutions to develop, host and manage your software and apps. This means you no longer face the challenges of investing in the equipment, products, and staff to do it in-house. TechBrain has access to cloud-based applications for SaaS solutions for your company so that you can have a competitive advantage over your contemporaries.

FAQ

How does TechBrain help choose the right SaaS provider?

Compatibility with your existing systems and applications, costs associated with each SaaS provider, including not only the upfront cost of the software, but also any ongoing subscription fees and other charges, reliability and uptime and level of customer support.

Can I customize SaaS software?

SaaS applications are typically designed to be used by a wide range of customers, which means that they may not be as customizable as on-premises software. In many cases, customers can choose from a range of pre-set options or configurations, but may not be able to make extensive customizations to the software.

Who owns my SaaS data?

In many cases, the SaaS provider will own the data that you provide to them, which means that they have the right to use, modify, and distribute the data as they see fit. This can be a disadvantage for businesses that want to maintain control over their data and have strict requirements for how it is used and shared.