SAAS stands for Software As A Service is a cloud-based service where instead of downloading the software on your local system to run and use you access these applications via an internet browser. The most common examples for SAAS are office tools (Microsoft Office 365) or google apps like Sheets, Slides, Chats etc.
Users can log into and use a SaaS application from any compatible device over the Internet. The actual application runs in cloud servers that may be far removed from a user’s location. SaaS provides a complete software solution that you purchase on a pay-as-you-go basis from a cloud service provider. You rent the use of an app for your organisation and your users connect to it over the Internet. You usually use a web browser for that.
An Overview
Traditionally, software vendors sold their software to users as a product. However, in the SaaS model, they actively provide and maintain the software for their users, via the cloud. They host and maintain the databases and code necessary for the application to run. And they run the application on their servers. Thus, SaaS is more like a service than a product.
This offers a variety of advantages and disadvantages. Key advantages of SaaS include accessibility, compatibility, and operational management. Additionally, SaaS models offer lower upfront costs than traditional software download and installation, making them more available to a wider range of businesses, making it easier for smaller companies. The service provider manages the hardware and software and with the appropriate service agreement, will ensure the availability and the security of the app and your data as well.
The major disadvantage of SaaS applications is that they ordinarily require an internet connection to function. However, some SaaS applications have an offline mode that allows basic functionality.
The traditional on-premise software delivery model differs from SaaS in two key ways:
- SaaS deployments don’t require extensive hardware, which allows buyers to outsource most of the IT responsibilities typically required to troubleshoot and maintain the software in-house.
- SaaS systems are typically paid within a subscription model, whereas on-premise software is usually purchased through a perpetual license, paid upfront.
Why to use SAAS?
Say Goodbye to the up-front capital costs
SaaS can provide beneficial cost savings. Since, it usually resides in a shared or multi-tenant environment, where the hardware and software license costs are low compared with the traditional model. Maintenance costs are very less. The SaaS provider owns the environment and it is split among all customers that use that solution. Therefore, You need not to expend money, time and resources on initial infrastructure implementation.
Pay-as-You-Grow model
Your business needs continually change, so another benefit of leveraging an IT infrastructure is that you can scale your IT to meet your business demands. You only have to pay for what you are using. You can scale up and scale down very easily. The SaaS service automatically scales up and down according to the level of usage.
No Need for Physical Infrastructure
The hardware is all managed by the Saas vendors. The end users do not require being concerned about the maintenance of any hardware or which operating system version backs which of the databases. So, the SaaS service provider will take care of all this stuff for your company, so you can directly focus on your business operations.
Flawless updates and upgrades
Another key advantage of SaaS applications is that because they run in the cloud, the vendor can update their software centrally without adversely affecting business operations for users. Your SaaS service provider will handle all the software updates and upgrades for you, hence getting rid of the requirement to install or download different patches. Above all, You will always have a higher up-to-date software solution. Saas provider adds up one more advantage by facilitating automated backups without user intrusion and thus make sure the uprightness of your data.
Amplified Security
A company’s business information is more safe and secure in a SaaS solution than in customary software. Increased organizational awareness of security risks can ensure mitigating and eliminating them. Assessing risks and implementing intelligent controls helps to enhance the security of SaaS applications.
That’s all for today. For more blogs related to the cloud, click on this link. Happy Learning!
