What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a service (SaaS) allows users to connect to and use cloud-based apps over the Internet. Common examples are email, calendaring, and office tools (such as Microsoft Office 365).

SaaS provides a complete software solution. You buy on a pay-as-you-go basis from a cloud service provider. You rent the use of an app for your organization. Your users connect to it over the Internet, usually with a web browser. All underlying infrastructure, middleware, app software, and app data are in the service provider’s data center. The service provider manages the hardware and software. With the proper service agreement, it will ensure the availability and the security of the app and your data. SaaS allows your organization to get up and running with an app at minimal upfront cost.  

Common SaaS scenarios

If you have used a web-based email service such as Outlook, Hotmail, or Yahoo! Mail, then you have already used a form of SaaS. With these services, you log into your account over the Internet, often from a web browser. The email software is on the service provider’s network, and your messages stay there too. You can access your email and stored messages from a web browser on any computer or Internet-connected device.

The earlier examples are free services for personal use. For organizational use, you can rent productivity apps. Such as email, collaboration, and calendaring. Sophisticated business applications such as customer relationship management (CRM). Also, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and document management. You pay for the use of these apps by subscription or according to the level of use.

Advantages of SaaS

Gain access to sophisticated applications. To provide SaaS apps to users. You do not need to buy, install, update, or maintain any hardware, middleware, or software. SaaS makes sophisticated enterprise applications such as ERP and CRM, affordable for organizations that lack the resources to buy, deploy, and manage the required infrastructure and software themselves.

Pay only for what you use. You save money because the SaaS service scales up and down according to the level of usage.

Use free client software. Users can run most SaaS apps from their web browser without needing to download and install any software, although some apps need plugins. This means that you do not need to buy and install special software for your users.

Mobilize your workforce. SaaS makes it easy to “mobilize” your workforce. Users can access SaaS apps and data from any computer or mobile device. You do not need to worry about developing apps to run on several types of computers and devices, the service provider has already done so. You do not need to bring special expertise on board to manage the security issues inherent in mobile computing. An attentive service provider will ensure the security of your data regardless of the type of device consuming it.

Access app data from anywhere. With data stored in the cloud users can access their information from any computer or mobile device. When you store app data in the cloud you do not lose data if a user’s computer or device fails.

We offer many aaS options, reach out today to learn which one will be the right fit for your business, 877-686-6642!

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