SaaS – or Software as a Service – is one of the most common uses of the cloud. Think your personal Gmail, where you can access your email but you don’t need to host the software on your personal machine or maintain the software – let alone the hardware hosting it. Simply connect to the cloud-based application over the internet, use it, and log back out. Some, like music streaming apps, have free and paid versions, while others lean one way or the other.
SaaS has become commonplace in business, since there are some distinct advantages over on-premises or cloud hosting options.
What Are the Benefits of SaaS?
SaaS Can Save You Money
Free up space in your budget. While some SaaS solutions might have reduced licensing costs compared to their on-premises or self-hosted counterparts, your organization can also save dollars on up-front investments. SaaS allows you to skip the step of installing software on-site, which could require increasing server space or investing in hardware. And since you’re not maintaining the software, staff requirements can be lower as well.
Because SaaS often provides the software solution’s complete functionality at a fraction of the cost, SaaS may be more affordable for small or medium-sized businesses. Plus, SaaS tends to be more flexible, so you can scale your usage as your business changes in size without having to procure more IT infrastructure.
SaaS Can Shrink Your To-Do List
Let your host provider handle downtime for maintenance or updates. SaaS solutions let you log in and simply enjoy the software’s functionality while the provider worries about the nitty gritty. Alongside saving money on the setup side, SaaS solutions typically build upgrade, maintenance, and administration costs into the subscription fee, so you can work on more pressing tasks.
Remote Employees and SaaS
For companies with multiple offices or a global reach, implementing a SaaS solution rather than on-prem means fewer people need to be physically in the office – for set-up, maintenance, or even just using the software. SaaS gives users the flexibility to work from any approved device with an internet connection.
Avoiding the Drawbacks of SaaS
Variable Pricing
Some SaaS pricing models are unpredictable. Providers may charge you based on usage, and while some companies are happy to use a pay-as-you-go SaaS solution, others prefer the certainty of a set monthly or annual subscription-based payment. Avoid looking over your shoulder to make sure you’re not going over budget by choosing a solution that you can easily factor into your future budget.
Data Security
Some organizations worry about data security when moving to SaaS. Before choosing a SaaS solution, consider the following questions:
- Is the data moving through the software encrypted?
- Do third parties have access to the data?
- Are identity and access management part of your software solution?
Complying with Regulations and Requirements
Alongside industry-specific requirements like HIPAA or PCI DSS, an increasing number of countries and states are rolling out personal data regulations. Ensure that you still have complete control of your data if it’s stored in the service provider’s data center, and can easily audit your data or otherwise comply with relevant
A SaaS Solution for File Transfers
Everyone needs to move files from A to B – and it’s just become easier than ever. Learn more about MFTaaS – GoAnywhere’s hosted file transfer solution – and how it can benefit your organization.
