As is the case with most technology trends nowadays, Software as a Service (SaaS) has become a sort of buzzword people stumble across on the internet. The term may sound vague, easy to overlook. But really, this groundbreaking alternative to traditional software installation has been revolutionizing life online for the past twenty years.
What is Software as a Service?
A product of cloud computing and the business industry, SaaS allows users to access a vendor’s entire cache of application software through the cloud, accessible via web or API. Typically, SaaS applications charge customers a usage-based subscription fee, enabling individuals and organizations alike to rent relevant software for however long they need.
Today, in the post-pandemic era of remote work and virtual collaboration, Software as a Service platforms are soaring in popularity. And as SaaS integrates into our everyday lives, it’s important to understand all the capabilities and benefits available to you, the user.
Below are the top 4 benefits of Software as a Service
- Low Cost
SaaS solutions offer significant savings for a variety of reasons. First of all, the adoption of SaaS applications eliminates the upfront cost of purchase and installation required for traditional software. Rather than paying for hardware installation, users can easily download SaaS applications, and they virtually maintain themselves. Some even offer pay-as-you-go models, which allow users to pay only for the software they are using instead of paying exorbitant costs on unused licensing.
The lower costs associated with SaaS solutions mean they are especially advantageous for small and medium-sized businesses. Through SaaS applications, smaller organizations are able to access expensive, high-powered software that would have been otherwise too pricey to buy through conventional purchasing methods. By eliminating the financial risk of expensive software, subscription-based pricing models might be the best benefit provided by SaaS.
- Less Time and Hassle
Time is money, so it’s fitting that the next notable benefit of SaaS is that the applications save users a massive amount of time and hassle. Installation for most SaaS apps is as simple as establishing an internet connection and creating a log-in. Maintenance responsibilities don’t fall on your IT department, but rather on the vendor itself. This both cuts extra work hours and eliminates the downtime typically necessary for upgrading conventional software.
And aside from installation and maintenance, users enjoy a quicker learning curve with SaaS apps. This leads to faster and easier adoption across your whole workforce.
- More Accessibility, Better Scalability
An additional advantage of the pay-as-you-go model offered by SaaS is that it allows for flexibility and options. Since SaaS software is hosted by an outside vendor company, altering your subscription plan is simple and can be done without advance notice.
Furthermore, since SaaS applications are cloud-based, subscribers can access all software capabilities from any location with internet access. Both the scalability and accessibility of SaaS solutions are enormous.
- Compatibility
Traditionally, conventional software installation and update methods required large amounts of both time and money. And then worse, after all is installed, version discrepancies between different departments in your workforce could lead to compatibility issues down the road. Which means valuable time flushed down the drain.
But thanks to third-party vendors and cloud-based access, users of SaaS applications need never worry about compatibility problems or version discrepancies. SaaS apps update automatically, so each time a subscriber logs on, they gain instant access to the latest software updates.
There is so much that Software as a Service has to offer in the long-run. If used correctly, SaaS can save your business money, time, and human resources, streamlining focus and productivity by eliminating issues like software maintenance and incompatibility. But like any tech solution, SaaS still has to overcome a few drawbacks. Make sure to thoroughly research all your SaaS options one by one before implementing one.
Staying up-to-date in the software industry is a full-time job. And transitioning to a workforce powered through SaaS applications can be challenging. That’s why many companies turn to business partners like KitelyTech, INC. for assistance. At KitelyTech, INC., we work with companies to develop and implement new software solutions. Call us at (800) 274 2908 to discuss your business’s software needs and find out how we can help.
