SaaS (Software as a Service) applications are becoming an integral part of how companies operate and thrive online. Because of the way that they function, SaaS applications make it easy for companies to provide services anywhere in the world and delivered resources to improve the quality of their services. Many companies rely on SaaS applications because it gives them access to the resources that we need for global operations without a massive investment and new infrastructure. To get the most out of SaaS programs, are specific features that this program should have. In this article, we discuss the five must-have features in a SaaS application.
Multi-Tenant Infrastructure
Serving a multinational company or even a regional company can be difficult for service providers. The problem with this is that most of these companies have reached a sufficient size to have multiple facilities or a large number of employees. In previous models, software was sold for each individual person that needed to use it. It is still sold that way, but SaaS companies need a more effective model to deliver services to clients on a larger scale.
Multi-tenant infrastructure creates a system where multiple groups or companies share a single installation of the SaaS platform. In some cases, the system can be customized. Otherwise, it is just a section within a larger install. Fortunately, it does reduce the costs for the company by making it possible to reduce costs while making it more affordable for companies to access the SaaS services that they need.
Automated Startup and Shutdown
When customers try to use SaaS systems, their infrastructure needs to be created in the background. This means creating user credentials, allocating resources, and setting up systems. Managing this from an IT perspective will be difficult and time-consuming. That is why most SaaS programs use a technique called automated provisioning to manage these processes.
Automated provisioning allows SaaS programs to setup or teardown the infrastructure for users and organizations without any input from an administrator. It allows companies to signup for services and begin using them without any help from the IT department. If your company wants to make a fast and smooth transition to a new system, then the SaaS program that you choose should be able to handle this part of the setup on its own using something similar to automated provisioning.
Single Sign-In Systems
Every company uses multiple programs to manage operations. Likewise, many SaaS companies offer multiple services that are often differentiated and accessed as separate features. This means that users will have to sign-in to multiple systems using a list of credentials that can be difficult to keep organized and secure. The more credentials they need, the harder it is to keep systems secure without experiencing user issues. All of this can be fixed with a single sign-in system.
These systems let you sign-in to one account that automatically gives you access to the other accounts that you need. It reduces the number of sign-in credentials that any one person needs to a single set, making it easy for staff members to access SaaS systems. It also reduces the chances of credentials being stolen and used to bypass security measures. Users like single sign-in systems because they can access all of their systems with just one app, making for a better user experience (UX).
Subscription Services Instead of Contracts
One of the most important features of a SaaS service is how you pay for it. Long-term contracts are being phased out of the industry, and buying to own SaaS services is not an option. The best option is to use a subscription-based service, where the customer pays for the service every month. This gives the SaaS company consistent and predictable revenue while giving customers the ability to break up the cost of the software over the length of time they use it. The price for software becomes manageable in a monthly payment, making it a viable option for most companies.
Another benefit of this is that customers can order services and only pay for them while they need them. There is not a risk of overinvesting in a type of software that may not be necessary or fit the company’s needs in the future. Subscription-based SaaS services remove the risk of acquiring software, which is an effective way of helping companies of all sizes try new systems and change their operations quickly.
Enhanced Security and Redundancy
Modern SaaS applications are designed for increasingly strict security protocols. There is an inherent vulnerability in SaaS systems in that they use a cloud-based infrastructure. Information is sent out of the company’s network of control, which means that it can be vulnerable to third-party behavior. SaaS companies are aware of this and take the necessary steps to ensure data security while connected to their systems. In many cases, SaaS companies are better for data security than in-house IT operations since they can leverage the most up-to-date security techniques and software with a dedicated team of security experts.
Ongoing Support
No matter how well SaaS systems are developed, you won’t be able to use them without ever experiencing problems. Every company’s needs are different and the software may not be a perfectly tailored match. Choose SaaS programs that have a lot of ongoing support for customers. That way, you can get the help that you need to overcome challenges and successfully implement SaaS services.
At KitelyTech, we work with companies to develop and implement new software solutions. We can help you build the software that you need, as well as help you find the best way to manage it. Call us a (800) 274 2908 to discuss your software needs and how we can help.
