Founding a startup can be a good way to get your business off the ground. Startups differ from regular businesses in several key ways and these differences give them a slight advantage in cornering the market in a specific niche. For a startup to be successful, it needs access to the right technology without massive overhead costs. This is one of the reasons why they often turn to SaaS applications to get the technology that they need. In this article, we discuss how to set a strong foundation for your start out with the right SaaS architecture.
What is SaaS Architecture?
SaaS architecture refers to the Structure of the resources that your company uses to provide services. For example, SaaS companies can fall into multiple categories based on what resources they need and what services they offer. The three general types include:
Software as a Service
SaaS companies are the businesses that offer software solutions as a recurring service. Essentially, they offer access to software the startups need to function and grow their operations for a monthly fee. This is the form that most people are familiar with and is also the most common when it comes to building startups.
Platform as a Service
PaaS (Platform as a Service) companies help other companies create the platforms that they use to build their company’s products. These are resources for software development, designing technology, or building products. Essentially the PaaS company provides everything that the startup needs to create what it wants to sell.
Infrastructure as a Service
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) companies provide the structure needed to develop the business itself. All of the separate business elements that startups need, like security software, communications systems, and operations management tools are included. IaaS companies focus on building the startup itself so that the startup founders can focus on solving other problems.
The Importance of SaaS Applications
SaaS applications play an important role in how startups function. Startups are different from most other types of businesses because they are entirely focused on testing an idea in as lean a way as possible. This means minimizing the investment in resources and infrastructure so that the startup can address a problem or pivot when necessary. Using SaaS applications makes it possible for startups to bring together the resources that they need without major commitments and investments. However, the SaaS applications that those startups choose makes a big difference in the way that they operate.
Check for Mandatory Features First
When choosing a SaaS application, is important for startups to check for mandatory features first. Ideally, the startup will have a list of specific features and program abilities that it needs to bring its unique value proposition to life. The startup can then compile a set of programs to acquire all of the resources that it needs. Some of these programs may overlap in some areas, but that may be unavoidable and should not cause a problem.
Scalability is Crucial to Continued Development
If you want your startup to be set up for strong long-term development, then it is critical that you choose SaaS applications that are scalable. Startups almost always start small and try to grow only once the company has reached a certain level of success. When this happens, they need the systems that are in place to grow with the company. Otherwise, they are an investment that becomes obsolete.
Fortunately, most SaaS applications are scalable. They deliver value through remote systems using a cloud-based infrastructure. Since the product of service is not physical, new iterations can be added to the existing infrastructure quickly. SaaS services are inherently designed to scale as companies need more resources. However, not all SaaS applications are easy to scale with for multiple reasons. Doing thorough due diligence is the key to avoiding long-term growth problems.
Combining SaaS Solutions
It is very likely that your startup will choose several SaaS companies to support its operations. Most startups need a combination of these systems in order to create a company structure that offers value to customers. Before you make a final decision on what SaaS companies to work with, see what companies are using in combinations. Doing this lets you get an idea of what these programs are capable of without taking any of the associated risks.
Get Help From Experts
Establishing a startup using SaaS solutions can feel like a lot of trial and error to find the right fit. You do not have to waste a lot of time trying to find the right options for your company. Instead, work with a team of experts that routinely help companies develop and expand their SaaS-based operations.
At KitelyTech, we work with startups that need help establishing their products and services. Our startup growth services can help your company find the right SaaS programs for your startup. Call us at (800) 274 2908 for help giving your startup the best foundation possible using SaaS programs.
