Cloud-based software is progressively replacing on-premise software as the preferred deployment option for virtually every type of business technology, from huge corporations to small firms.
Software as a Service (SaaS) is a software distribution paradigm that a cloud provider hosts and makes applications available to end-users via the internet. An Independent Software Vendor (ISV) may hire a third-party cloud provider to host the application in this manner. Alternatively, in larger corporations like Microsoft, the cloud provider may also be the software provider.
SaaS, along with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS), is one of the three basic types of cloud computing.
How does SaaS work?
SaaS uses the cloud delivery model to provide its robust library of features and abilities. Put simply, an ISV may contract a cloud provider to host the application and related data in the provider's data center or a software provider may host the program and associated data using its servers, databases, networking, and computing resources. Any device with a network connection will be able to use the app. Thus, web browsers get used frequently to access SaaS apps.
How Organizations Benefit from Employing SaaS
SaaS offers a wealth of advantages to small and large businesses alike:
No huge Upfront Investment
There are no huge upfront payments with SaaS because it works in a pay-as-you-go arrangement. To use CRM as a service, companies simply pay a monthly or annual subscription fee.
One of the reasons why smaller businesses and start-ups prefer SaaS is that they may not have the financial resources to invest in and develop a CRM system, even if it is considered business-critical. As a result, SaaS might get regarded as an operating expenditure instead of a large upfront cost like an on-premise solution.
A Cost-Effective Solution
One of the most appealing features of SaaS CRM is that it can save companies money. In fact, “lower overall costs” is the second most important driver of SaaS adoption in terms of importance.
When companies compare the cost of a SaaS CRM solution to purchasing the software, the SaaS alternative may still prove more expensive. However, when companies consider the costs of buying the necessary hardware and recruiting and managing the personnel who will maintain it, the SaaS approach typically proves to be the more cost-effective alternative.
Availability at All Times
The SaaS model allows companies access to their CRM database from anywhere and on any device, at any time. All you need is an internet connection and a web browser to access the service, boasting a 99% uptime. Moreover, the SaaS CRM, which is hosted in the cloud and accessible over the Internet, is ideal most especially for salespeople who spend most of their time on the field.
No More IT troubles
The biggest selling feature of SaaS CRM is the shift to the hassle-free IT life. There is no need for a user to purchase, install, or upgrade any hardware or set up a local server, which is costly and time-consuming. As a result, companies will not need to hire a full-time IT department.
Expand and Integrate as you Wish
As technology has progressed, SaaS CRM app users may now link with existing applications on the market and expand their CRM solution in the same way that an onsite customer would. This integration process means that e-customers can continue to use their existing software, such as ERP systems or email clients, because you can simply link the SaaS solution with them.
SaaS Solutions for Business Need
You can employ SaaS models in a variety of ways that will benefit businesses:
Multi-tenancy Model
Multi-tenancy is a software architecture in which a single software program gets deployed to service many customers. Each client gets referred to as a tenant. Tenants may receive the power to customize some portions of the program; nowadays, applications get constructed. Each tenant's storage area is segregated by having separate databases or distinct sachems within a single database or the same database with discriminators.
Automated Provisioning
Users should access SaaS apps on the fly, which necessitates automating provisioning services to users. B2B and B2C customers often use SaaS apps, and this requirement necessitates the creation of companies by simply invoking online services and providing access credentials. The CREST API from Microsoft is a wonderful example of a SaaS application that provides this crucial capability.
Moreover, Cloud Services Broker (CSB) platforms can simplify this process and enable on-demand access to SaaS apps. Another key feature is the ability to de-provision a user's or organization's access anytime the customer decides not to utilize the Software as a Service application.
Single Sign-On
To authenticate the many systems that users will consume, an enterprise organization would like to have a single identity system in place. It is also critical for businesses to have a single page where users can input their login credentials and access any SaaS app assigned to them. As a result, SaaS applications should be simple to integrate with a variety of identity management systems.
High Availability
Multiple tenants share SaaS apps, and the availability of these applications should be extremely high throughout. As a result, consumers should expect a high level of SLA from SaaS applications. Ultimately, applications should be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, worldwide.
Elastic Infrastructure
The use of SaaS apps is rarely predictable, and consumption might fluctuate substantially from month to month. Thus, the applications’ infrastructure should scale up or down the resources utilized behind the scenes. These days, SaaS apps get built in such a way that they can detect infrastructure behavior. Monitoring agents located within deployment resources notify the corresponding management servers of the resources' availability.
Where Can You Purchase SaaS Solutions?
As with most purchases, before making a final decision it’s ideal to speak with an expert and browse as many options as possible before making a final decision. This is essential to ensure that you make the decision that’s best for you organizations unique IT needs. Below is a brief summary of several providers who have decades of experience providing SaaS solutions to enterprise businesses.
RackSpace
Rackspace is a leading provider of IT as a service in today’s multi cloud world. They have extensive expertise and experience integrating managed services across applications, data, and security and infrastructure. TheirSaaS solution offers a comprehensive pay-as-you-go model for software with anytime, anywhere access from any device. This makes it an attractive replacement for high value, low complexity on-premises applications.
Pax8
Pax8 prides themselves on simplifying the way organizations buy, sell, and manage cloud solutions by empowering organizations to achieve more with their cloud technology. They offer several SaaS solutionswhich consolidate billing, automated provisioning, and industry leading PSA integrations.
AppSmart
AppSmart boasts one of the worlds largest B2B marketplaces for selling recurring technology services. They allow users to source the best solutions and create the most effective outcomes for their IT needs, providing another source for organizations to utilize when they want to compare several different SaaS solutions at once.
