SaaS or Software-as-a-Service has grown ever more popular over the past few years but is it here to stay?
Jump back just over 10 years ago to when Apple launched its iPhone and the financial crisis was in full swing, SaaS was a term that was barely used, or even understood.
Today, most people will know that SaaS stands for ‘Software-as-a-Service’. The supply of software, usually on a subscription basis over the Internet, where you have no need to install or update software. Think Hotmail, Mailchimp, Salesforce and more.
The chances are you already use some SaaS at least once a day and have done for years.
Here are the reasons why SaaS has become so popular and why it is here to stay:
Availability.
Technology is an ever-improving process where web browsers, servers and development see vast improvements yearly. All these improvements make SaaS much more available to its users. From simple logins to accessing data on multiple devices, SaaS will become even more accessible and integrated in the future.
Internet speeds.
100mb internet connections are now a common occurrence even for residential properties – the same goes for businesses too. No longer does a business have to invest heavily on a Leased Line to guarantee performance in accessing their software, it can be done cheaply and with greater reliability and speed.
Scalability.
For a growing business, the ability to quickly scale usage up and down without having to worry about spinning up new servers or adding storage is a key benefit. Scalability not only plays a key part in the strategic planning of a business but can of course also offer a competitive advantage. In an ever-fluctuating marketplace, SaaS helps organizations grow and shrink quickly.
Cost-effectiveness.
Cost is usually the most important factor when a business is choosing software. A typical SaaS customer will enjoy more flexible payment options compared to traditional software. The costs will also be manageable and predictable – similar to buying a car on PCP. This low-cost approach has been one of the main drivers for the expansion of SaaS adoption and new providers.
Security.
SaaS providers will deliver the same version of the software to thousands of users. This means that there will be a heavy investment into security which would be very expensive to achieve independently for a locally installed application. Generally, SaaS will be run across multiple data centers providing full redundancy in case one goes down and will have continuous data backups. SaaS will include the latest security protocols, SLAs for uptime and complete separation of data to satisfy data privacy policies. Security was always the biggest concern with SaaS adoption, however, this should no longer be an issue.
Flexibility.
Working from any location is becoming the norm for businesses today. This rise in flexible working requires flexible tools to support it. SaaS allows businesses to have this ability. There are many benefits to a business including convenience for staff, reduction in office space/workstations and the option to employ homeworkers in key geographies.
Simplicity.
Up there with cost-effectiveness, simplicity is one of the key drivers that has allowed SaaS to become so popular. Users simply log in through a web browser or app and away they go. There’s no need for your IT team to manage the application.
SaaS removes the worry.
Traditional software would always require a business to have their own backups, storage and server rooms on site. In a world of stricter data protection laws, the risk of fire or flood and ensuring the right technical staff are employed are just a few worries SaaS removes.
Based on the above points SaaS will only continue to grow with adoption levels rising. It is definitely here to stay.
Ensure your business is fully equipped with all the SaaS tools that you’ll need to make sure you don’t get left behind. Here are some more advantages of SaaS.
