SaaS allows end users to access applications with the use of a browser, while applications and relevant data are not locally installed (in user’s PC), not even in an internal infrastructure (a server located somewhere in the building).
Applications are hosted and data are stored, somewhere else, in the “internet/cloud”. This type of service, allows small or big groups of users to work in a collaborative environment, even if they are physically located in various places all around the world.
Though there are some security issues, there are many big companies that use it like, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, etc. In fact, almost all of us use a SaaS application like, Gmail, Google Docs, Yahoo Mail, Microsoft Office 360, etc. Don’t you? Do you submit your Tax Declaration or Periodic VAT Report through internet? Do you trust your personal data in … who knows where (government or SaaS environments)?
Why?
Because there are significant reasons, that make these services so attractive. Here are some of the most profound:
Reduced Cost
SaaS software is provided with a “pay as you go” model that usually saves significant amounts or distributes the cost in the future. In some cases, especially in home use, the cost is eliminated (i.e. free email accounts).
Automated Distribution
No manual distribution procedure needed. A new version, with improved functionality and bug fixes, are automatically distributed to the end users, as far as the centralized software is updated.
Increased Mobility
End users can access information almost any time from any place. They can do it from their official workstations, from home, after working hours, during weekend, on vacations, etc. They can do it during new deal negotiations or during a new order receipt in the POS (point of sale).
Allows IT to Shift Focus
Many IT professionals believe that SaaS will “steal” their jobs. They believe that an application or data not located in a place where they can physically control, “is not a good thing”. Is it true? Is there any real risk? Only for those that have nothing else to offer. Modern professionals can be disengaged from daily rudimental activities and advance their innovation, becoming much more valuable than “system administration”.
Collaboration (Resources and Knowledge Sharing)
A key issue, especially for medium and big companies, with moving employees and a variety of external cooperators like, dealers, agents, lawyers, mechanics, POSs, etc. A SaaS environment, allows them all to have access in centralized resources and help the company to eliminate redundancy and duplications. An environment like this saves businesses time and money, while it increases overall control and reduces various risks.
So there are a lot of significant reasons that promotes SaaS model provisioning. These are also the reasons that balance relevant risks that drive companies not to use this model.
SaaS allows business to focus on what matters and not to worry about technology and infrastructure.
SaaS is the future; it will continue growing and will eventually overcome all other “old fashion” technologies and methodologies.
I challenge you to comment this article and provide additional advantages and disadvantages / risks for SaaS model. Let’s start gathering material and fabricate the most complete picture for this phenomenon, the SaaS.
Thank you, in advance.
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