Although it has been around for some time now, there are still a lot of questions about SaaS (software as a Service) technologies and companies. They have had a big impact on many industries and will continue to be an important part of how companies grow and expand. Still, it is important to understand the most important things about SaaS before you dive into acquiring services for your company. Here are eight FAQs about Software as a Service.
FAQs about Software as a Service
What is Software as a Service?
When a business or organization subscribes to software-as-a-service, they are renting access to the software instead of buying it outright. Customers will typically access the software through the internet, either through an online portal or through an app. In this type of model, the provider of the software maintains the infrastructure, including hardware and software.
The customer usually has a limited amount of control over this infrastructure. Instead of buying their own hardware and software and maintaining it, customers rent access to it from the SaaS provider.
While SaaS can cost more than equivalent on-premises solutions, the tradeoff is that it is easier to set up and maintain, and the provider takes on the responsibility for keeping the system up and running.
Why Do Companies Use SaaS?
SaaS has many benefits for customers, including reduced capital expenses and risk. Companies can avoid having to purchase and maintain their own servers and software, which can be both expensive and risky. When something goes wrong, it’s often difficult to diagnose and fix the problem, and it can be very expensive to hire an engineer to come and fix the issue.
SaaS reduces the need for physical IT infrastructure, as well as the associated risks and costs. For smaller companies or companies without a lot of physical resources, this can be a major benefit. SaaS also gives companies access to IT resources from anywhere, provided they have access to the internet.
Is SaaS Reliable?
SaaS services are only as reliable as the companies that provide them. A good SaaS company can provide services that consistently meet or exceed its customers’ expectations. The difficulty in being reliable is giving customers access anywhere. Then, reliability is only as good as their communications systems so that companies can access resources. This is not entirely in the control of each SaaS company and varies based on each situation.
Are There Any Risks With SaaS?
There are risks with any software solution, including SaaS, but they vary according to the specific tool. There’s nothing inherent in SaaS that makes it riskier than running your own solution, but you should be aware of potential issues so that you can evaluate the tool appropriately.
For example, if the provider goes out of business, you won’t be able to access the software. You may be able to find a new provider to host the software, but you may also have to switch to a different type of tool.
You should also consider where the data is being stored. If the provider is located in a country that does not have clear data protection laws, this may pose a risk in the event of a breach.
Another concern is accessing services and systems remotely. Remote connections mean that it information security may not be as strong in places as
What Are the Features of SaaS?
SaaS providers offer a variety of features, which can vary from one tool to the next. Some of the most common features include:
- Software Updates
- Security Features
- Multiple User Support
- Integrations With Third Party Systems
- Scalability
Every tool has its own set of features, and you need to compare them with other tools to see which one is the best fit for your company.
How Much Does SaaS Cost?
The cost of SaaS varies widely depending on the tool, and each company will also have its own pricing structure. In general, the cost is either a fixed monthly amount or a percentage of your revenue.
The type of contract you sign with the provider will determine how much you pay each month. Most SaaS providers offer a free trial so that you can evaluate the tool before committing to a long-term contract.
While you’ll have to pay for the service once the trial ends, you can use it to get a good sense of how well it works in your business. You’ll also get an idea of the cost, which can help you to anticipate the expense.
How to Go About Implementing SaaS
If you decide that SaaS is the right solution for your business, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you choose the right tool.
First, make a list of every feature you need in the tool and rank them based on importance. Then, create a shortlist of the closest matches and use that list to narrow down your options.
Next, make sure that the tool will be a good fit for your business. This means that you need to run through a few tests to ensure that it will work the way you expect it to.
Sign up for a free trial with each tool on your shortlist so that you can evaluate them firsthand. Try to use them for an extended period so that you can get a feel for how well they work in your business.
When you are reasonably sure that the SaaS tools that you picked will work for your company, work with the SaaS provider to implement them into your existing systems or to replace them. SaaS providers have expertise in rolling out systems and can help you do it with minimal interruption to your operations.
Comparing SaaS vs. Traditional Technology
There are many similarities between SaaS and traditional, on-premises software. Both tools provide business applications to customers and they both have similar costs and requirements, such as the need to be maintained and updated regularly. Both types of software can be used by businesses of all sizes.
However, there are also some key differences between SaaS and traditional software. For one, SaaS provides hosted applications that are accessible online, while traditional software is installed on a company’s hardware and can only be accessed on-site.
Get Help Finding the Right SaaS Solutions for Your Company
Choosing the right SaaS tools can be a complex process, which is why you should get help from technology consultants like KitelyTech. We specialize in helping companies develop the systems that they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Call us at (800) 274-2908 to get help finding and implementing the right SaaS systems for your company.
