Software As A Service (SaaS): All-Inclusive Insights & Business Benefits!

Introduction: With SaaS adoption, Businesses are Nailing up The Market

SaaS adoption is picking up speed. The world is adopting a Cloud-based approach in businesses for handling their software applications and, further, catching up to reap the benefits of subscription-based services. Many players have adopted Software As A Service in their business model. One of the earliest adopters of subscription-based Cloud modeling is the tech giant Microsoft, which introduced “Microsoft Office 365” as their outcome. The SaaS-based approach helped them resolve issues like piracy, and speed-related consumer app problems, roll out updates faster & boost revenue generation.

Using SaaS solutions, IT consulting companies could concentrate on their work for analysis, innovative ideas, and actual value-added activities. They lessen the maintenance of their servers and applications. It helps to reduce their effort and even boosts the cost-effective option.

What Is SaaS- Software As A Service?

SaaS is better known as Software as a Service. It originated from cloud computing, where it holds an equivalent position in the three major classifications of cloud solutions along with Infrastructure as a Service and Platform as a Service.

The SaaS model permits users to access Software from different types of devices that have an internet connection & web browser. SaaS works as a software distribution model.

In this context, a service provider hosts their client’s Software or application. Further, via the internet, the end-user gets approval to use them. The service provider furnishes a subscription fee based on the pay-as-you-go model for their services. This model proposes an all-in-one, ready-to-use solution for businesses that use third-party cloud providers for hosting their applications. Besides, no need to buy the Software and install it. In addition, it has simplified the process through the internet, as enterprises or app owners rent app usage services, and their end-customers can connect to this app.

SaaS products can be used by B2B and B2C customers; further, Business enterprises, software professionals, and even personal users avail of SaaS apps. Nuisances of installation & maintenance of complex Software and hardware can be saved By the  ISVs (Independent software vendors) subscribing to the services of a cloud provider. Further, it hosts an app cost-efficiently with better speed. The organizations can also integrate SaaS apps with their Software through the SaaS provider’s APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Occasionally, the Cloud provider can be the software vendor. Following is the case with biggies like Microsoft.

SaaS Products Mushrooming in The Market

There is a variety of SaaS solutions available in the current market. One can check out the functionalities of vital SaaS products. Some of them are;

Marketing Software for emails automatically aids in marketing emails and optimizes message delivery.

Financial Accounting Software is utilized for systematizing finances and hunting for business growth.

CRM or Customer Relationship Management Software is operated to carry out duties like data management, tracking of customers’ interactions, sales automation, business information compilation, and many more.

ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning Software is operated to reduce different organizational strategies into one single system. Further, it facilitates the sharing of information and improves efficiency.

Project Management Software, which is utilized by firms for the planning of the project, allocating the best resources, managing the schedules, and punctual fulfillment of project-related tasks.

Some of the best Software As A Service include collaboration software, web hosting, invoice generation, and Human Resources. Netflix, Gmail, Salesforce.com, Slack, Microsoft Office 365, Concur, Dropbox, and many more are famous examples of SaaS-based products.

How Does The SaaS Architecture Models Work?

SaaS software perfectly functions via the service provider’s networking & computing resources. SaaS users utilize diverse kinds of compatible devices to access services from a provider over the internet. These apps run on the service provider’s Cloud servers. In addition, the app’s data gets stored in their databases. The SaaS vendors handle the underlying Infrastructure, app software, hardware, middleware, availability, access, software updates, and many more.

Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) generally sign a service-level agreement with the provider to guarantee the protection of the app & the data present in it. Depending on the service-level agreement (SLA), data will be stored on Cloud, locally, or both.

SaaS Deployment Models

There are three standard SaaS deployment models, which have been defined by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). SaaS models can be deployed on either Public Cloud, Private Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud models.

Public Cloud Model

The roadmap of a Public Cloud Model is implied to be used by numerous tenants, which is placed on the Cloud provider’s premises. Large-scale providers, like an academic/government organization, a business entity, or a combination of both, are very comfortable owning, operating, and managing the Public Cloud Model. Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are some of the best examples of public Cloud providers.

Private Cloud Model

A Private Cloud Model is used solely by a corporation that may involve multiple consumers. Here, the ownership & management l with the association itself, a third-party service, or both. The organization either creates its own private Cloud or hires services from a Cloud provider. Thus, the roadmap will be located off-premise or on-premise.

Hybrid Cloud Model

A Hybrid Cloud Model can be guided to a domain that integrates the private and public Cloud roadmaps. We need to understand it through an example. In a Hybrid Cloud domain, a Private Cloud model is utilized for sensitive data that demands military-grade protection. In contrast, a Public Cloud model is used for other aspects of the field. The hybrid Cloud model has a customizable roadmap and can be altered.

SaaS Providers- The Big Players

Here are some of the big players of SaaS service providers, along with their contributions.

Communication & Collaboration Software

  • Microsoft

Features & Functionalities:(OneDrive, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams)

  • Zoom Video Communications 

Features & Functionalities:(Zoom, KeyBase, Zoom Rooms, Zoom Scheduler, Zoom Video Webinar)Google (Docs, Drive, Forms, Analytics, Hangouts)

Sales Solutions

  • ZoomInfo 

Features & Functionalities:(InboxAI, FormComplete, ZoomInfo, NeverBounce)

Help Desk Solutions CMS, & Marketing

  • Hubspot 

Features & Functionalities:(Service Hub, Sales Hub, CMS Hub, Academy, Marketing Hub)

  • Atlassian 

Features & Functionalities:(Bitbucket, Confluence, Trello, Jira)

Communications & Security Software

  • Cisco

Features & Functionalities: Webex, Jabber, Webex Meetings, Cisco Umbrella, Duo Security

Solutions Related To Consumer Experience & Surveys

  • SurveyMonkey

Features & Functionalities:(Wufoo, SurveyMonkey, Market Research Solutions, Enterprise, GetFeedback)

SaaS Architecture

What Are The Business Benefits Of SaaS

Here are the key benefits of SaaS adoption in business!

Managed Services With Endless Offerings

The SaaS service provider protects the backend infrastructure, complex deployment procedures, & software maintenance chores on your behalf. Most SaaS software complies with industry-specific regulations and licenses. Thus, it would help if you did not carry extra measures for dwelling compliance. Such controlled services minimize your burden broadly and facilitate you to focus on your core business functions.

Several SaaS merchandisers provide the largely-demanded documentation & training regarding the onboarding process resulting in increased Return On Investment for customers.

The SaaS service provider protects the backend infrastructure, complex deployment procedures, & software maintenance chores on your behalf. Most SaaS software complies with industry-specific regulations and licenses. Thus, it would help if you did not carry extra measures for dwelling compliance. Such controlled services minimize your burden broadly and facilitate you to focus on your core business functions.

Several SaaS merchandisers provide the largely-demanded documentation & training regarding the onboarding process resulting in increased Return On Investment for customers.