Introduction
Software as a Service (SaaS) has become a fundamental concept in the technology landscape, particularly when it comes to integrating cloud platforms with third-party applications. But what exactly is SaaS, and why is it so important in today's digital world?
SaaS is often a term used in discussion when referring to the world of connecting cloud platforms with third party applications. In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of SaaS, the numerous advantages, examples of SaaS and how Apptium uses SaaS.
What is SaaS?
SaaS is the abbreviation of the term Software-as-a-Service. It refers to the way software is hosted, delivered, and accessed by the end user.
Initially, software was installed directly on the device, stored and accessed via disk, and hosted on the user’s servers on-premises. SaaS providers, however, host the software on their server and deliver it over the internet, making it accessible anytime, anywhere.
Through this, they are responsible for taking care of maintenance, updates, and security, making the software provided more akin to providing a service (which is where we get the name “Software-as-a-Service").
This cloud-based service model has advanced the way businesses operate in the world of technology through simple and effective software. Users can simply connect via a web browser and have access to everything; there is no need to install any type of hardware.
What are the advantages of SaaS?
There are numerous advantages that can be pinpointed when considering whether to use a SaaS solution. Following are four advantages as to why SaaS can provide businesses a high level of success:
- Compatibility- SaaS can be used across a variety of cloud environments, allowing for simple and effective set up and integration into your current systems. With minimal to no changes needed for the operating systems and other software tools currently in use.
- Cost Efficacy- When incorporating a SaaS solution into your software stack, you can have access to flexible low-cost payment plans that allow for a cost-effective experience. Because access to the software can be easily managed by the SaaS provider, many SaaS solutions can be paid for with a subscription-based model, rather than a long-term contract.
- Accessibility- Unlike other software programs, SaaS can be accessed through a web browser, so there is no need for a physical installation. Therefore, the experience is simpler and more easily accessible for all users. Because SaaS tools are accessible easily, they can also—in many cases—be accessed by multiple users at the same time, making synchronous collaboration easier and possible in many cases where it would previously be impossible. An example would be multiple users editing the same presentation or document at the same time.
- Scalability- Because the SaaS-provider hosts the data for all their customers, they generally have the infrastructure in place to help you scale your number of users to handle a growing amount of work. With an installed system, you would need to ensure your existing servers had capacity or potentially upgrade your capacity before adding new users.
These are just a few of the many advantages of using SaaS.
What are some examples of SaaS?
You might not know it, but you may be using multiple SaaS solutions every day in your professional and personal life! Did you know that some of the most popular tools we use are cloud-based SaaS solutions?
For example:
- Google Documents is a cloud-based world processing tool
- Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing tool
- Salesforce is a cloud-based customer records management tool (or CRM)
- Microsoft 365 is a suite of tools that includes cloud-based versions of many of its popular suite of workspace tools, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook
- Gmail is a cloud-based email platform
- And Netflix is a cloud-based video streaming platform,
Apptium’s own Cloud Commerce Platform is a SaaS platform as well. It’s a cloud-based marketplace and ecosystem orchestration platform, providing multi-tiered, multi-provider cloud marketplaces to the world’s largest IT distributors, communication service providers, cloud managed services providers, and resellers.
Conclusion
As you can see, SaaS represents a transformative shift in how businesses leverage software and technology. With compatibility, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and scalability, SaaS platforms empower organizations to stay agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
With a projected market cap of $900 billion by 2030 and notable examples like Google Workspace, Netflix, Zoom, and Microsoft 365, it's clear that SaaS is not just a trend. Rather it is an essential change to consider and adapt to in the world of software. Apptium’s Cloud Commerce Platform exemplifies how businesses can harness the power of SaaS to drive efficiency and innovation.
Learn more about Cloud Commerce Platform, today.
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