Software as a Service or SaaS pertains to any cloud service wherein individuals are able to easily access software applications online. These applications are usually hosted in “cloud” and can be utilized for wider range of activities and tasks for both organizations and individuals. Twitter, Facebook, Google and Flickr are al samples of Software as a Service. Users can access services using any internet-enabled device. Many enterprise users are also able to easily access and use applications for varieties of needs and purposes including invoicing, accounting, sales tracking, performance monitoring, planning and more.
SaaS is usually referred to as software on demand and being utilized similar to renting software instead of purchasing it. With added software applications, you need to purchase software upfront as an exclusive package and install this on your computer. The license of the software might limit the number of users or devices where software will be deployed. However, Software as a Service or SaaS users can subscribe to this software instead of purchasing it typically on monthly basis. The applications are purchased and utilized online and these come with files saved on cloud instead on individual personal computers.
GOOD REASONS THE USE SAAS
There are many good reasons to use SaaS. Some of these reasons area as follows:
- Automated updates
- Zero cost on additional software
- Zero set up cost
- Cross device compatibility and more….
THE ADVANTAGES
SaaS eliminates the need for various organizations to install and then run applications on their computers by themselves or on their exclusive data centers. This also eliminates the costly expense associated with hardware acquisition, maintenance, provisioning as well as licensing, software installation and support. More other benefits of SaaS are as follows:
FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS
Instead of purchasing and installing software or additional functional hardware to give support, clients can subscribe to SaaS offerings. Customers generally pay for this given service every month using a particular payment model. The transitioning costs to frequent operating expense enable man businesses to execute more and better predictable budgeting. Users are also allowed SaaS offerings anytime to stop these recurring costs.
SCALABLE USAGE
SaaS provides high scalability that gives consumers and customers the option of accessing more or even fewer features or services on demand.
AUTOMATIC UPDATES
Instead of purchasing new software, customers can completely rely on SaaS provider to perform updates automatically. This tends to reduce the burden of having an in-house IT team or staff.
PERSISTENCE AND ACCESSABILITY
Since Software as a Service applications are usually delivered online, users can easily access this from any internet enabled location or device.
The better access is probably one of the biggest advantages of SaaS. This entails improved access to important data from any device making it easier and simpler to manage and monitor data use, privileges and more ensuring everyone got to see similar information at the same time. Many individuals are now realizing the value of SaaS and now taking advantage of this in many different ways and purposes.