A decade ago we lived in the computing
world where there were desktops and installable services plus
application softwares. Every IT startup and small business used
application software to addresses their specific needs. This led
businesses to cope up with several challenges associated with
installation of apps/services on desktop systems.
For Every Unique Need – Requires Specific Software
So for every single need, a unique
software was required to be installed on your hard disk. Which means if
you are keen to store and upkeep data or make presentation, you will
have MS-Office installed. If you a graphic designer, you will have
Photoshop or Paint installed. To keep your PC secured you get firewalls
and anti-virus installed…
Requires More Storage, More Finances
Now consider the amount of storage all
these application software consume. Also spare a thought on the amount
that you would spend to purchase these specific software programs. And
if you are using some of the application for a specific project that
lasts only for few months, then you are spending too large a sum owning
the application software.
Inability to Cope up with Technological Upgradation
Now imagine a scenario where you know
that the project will last for longer time frame. And you feel that it
makes more sense owning an application software. In the midway due to
some ill luck the application provider has come with better and upgraded
version of the software that would support multiple systems/browsers.
Hence the project artifacts that you had
created with your previously installed software may work only on PC with
specific platform. Whereas those who have the latest version are at
advantage, since its project artifacts support multiple platforms.
SaaS – A Remote Subscription Based Rental Applications & Services
For all the above concerns faced by the
desktop application, SaaS could well be the answer. In early 90’s the
expansion of Internet led to introduction of centralized computing
called Application Service Providers or ASP. With the goal to reduce
cost through central administration it catered to multiple users.
SaaS was built on the concept of
distributed computing and provided application and services on the web
to cater to needs of multiple businesses. Often software applications
are hosted remotely by a service provider and made available to
customers over a network. Thus the user rents the application service as
and when needed instead of purchasing the software. Often SaaS are
charged on the basis of number of users using software, number of
process consumed or on a fixed monthly or annual subscription.
Applications & Services to Cater Needs of Small Business
Subscription based SaaS applications are
thin processes that could be accessed via web browser. As the software
and the services are not distributed physically over the network, they
are deployed almost instantaneously at the client side.
Some of the most common among SaaS are
often most frequently used enterprise applications and services. It
includes office and messaging software, payroll processing, DBMS, CAD,
accounting, collaboration platforms, CRM,
MIS, ERP, anti-virus software and service desk management. Mostly SaaS
are categorized either into horizontal or a vertical SaaS.
While the vertical SaaS answers the needs
of a specific business, horizontal SaaS focuses on specific function
that are used across multiple business. Which means an agriculture or a
healthcare service caters to need of the specific business, whereas an
HR or a payroll service caters to need of several similar business.
SaaS – A form of Cloud Computing
SaaS like its other counterparts IaaS,
PaaS, DaaS, MBaaS forms an integral part of cloud computing. Ever since
the application programs are upgraded and maintained on a remote server
all the availing clients get access to the same version of the program.
The service provider takes care of hosting and updating services for the
availing clients.
Many SaaS applications offer features
that let its users collaborate and share information. Users can comment
on tasks, plan and share documents within and outside organization.
Several other SaaS applications let users to vote and offer new feature
ideas.
Advantages of SaaS
- Substitutes your huge cost of software installation with minimal subscription rental
- SaaS apps are fast to load and can be accessible world over on the web browser
- Many applications are hosted externally by a vendor, providing flexibility for the users to change plans as and when needed
- As the SaaS services are upgraded by the vendor on a frequent basis, all the availing clients gets access to upgraded services
- Software updates, upgrades, security and backup are all managed by the service provider
- Provides app customization and integration with other SaaS applications and services
What’s Next?
SaaS market continues to grow at rapid
rates. Gartner estimated that SaaS market is expected to reach a
whopping $26.1 billion in 2016, a two fold increase from $12.5 billion
in 2011. For small business SaaS along with cloud based offerings could
be instrumental in lending optimum service and peace of mind.
At LetsNurture we offer SaaS to cater to
specific needs of our clients. Our latest SaaS offering is Portalic a
platform that services multiple clients and on demand service sharing
and servicemen referral app Do you know. To know more send in your queries to our email enquiry@letsnurture.com
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