What is SaaS? (and how does it work?)
SaaS stands for "Software as a Service", and it refers to software which is subscribed to and access through a web browser. Some SaaS software you might be familiar with is GMail, Salesforce or LinkedIn. SaaS applications require no software installation or maintenance and can be accessed from any where.
Choosing a SaaS solution means you won't have to purchase expensive hardware, software licenses or pay an IT person to keep it running. When you're using a SaaS solution the vendor is 100% responsible for the hardware, security, up time and data back up. The savings in time, money and IT support headaches represent an immediate return on your investment…and it’s all included in the monthly service fee.
Why SaaS?
Ease of Use
SaaS applications are designed to be used by a wide variety of people with different skill sets. Because of this a SaaS solution should aim to be as easy to use as the web 2.0 websites (such as Twitter or Facebook) that form its roots. A good SaaS solution takes hours (not weeks) to learn and is accessable and usable across the organization.
Low Start Up Cost
SaaS vendors specialize in setting up their software for a common set of needs, which creates much greater efficiency than larger Enterprise software providers. For Jorsek clients, this efficiency means a fraction of the start up cost typically spent deploying an Enterprise software solutions.
Transparent, Predictable Future Cost
Since a SaaS solution is paid for monthly, over the entire time of use, costs are very predictable. This shields the organization from run-away support and maintenance costs allowing technology budgets to be refined, re-focused and controlled by business stakeholders.
Seamless Updates
Because the SaaS vendor maintains a single code base updates are seamless and 100% cost free to the client. Compair this to typical deployed software packages which are maintained by the organization's IT staff, and require the purchase and integration of a new system once every 12 to 18 months, resulting in sizable licensing fees and unpredictable personnel costs. And organizations often require professional services from the vendor to complete the upgrade. With a SaaS solution, updates are much more frequent, smaller and completely free to the organization. This keeps the budget predictable and never creates a situation where business users must relearn the software to continue their day to day usage.
Access From Anywhere
SaaS solutions are accessed from a web browser via the internet, which means they can be used from any where in the world. Sales people always have access no matter where they've landed, and work from home employees are just as productive as office staff.
SaaS costs can be 20% less over three years compared to an equivalent on-premise solution.
Business Benefits
- No infrastructure costs
- Predictable future costs
- No human capital
- On demand scalability
- Faster time to market
Technology Benifits
- No maintenance headaches
- Secure and globally available
- Refocus technology direction
- Speed up deployment