Updated: March 4, 2024
When you buy something through one of the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission
Software as a Service (SAAS) is one of those terms that you have probably heard at one point, even if you live under a rock. It is often mentioned with other terms like cloud computing. If you are wondering what SAAS is, it is accessing software services through the internet. The main way for you to access the internet is through your browser. So SAAS is mainly used through a browser. As opposed to what you might ask. Well in the olden days, the rock dwellers would have to buy and install software themselves. It sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it.
For SAAS to exist, it required a lot of factors to fall into place. We needed to get to a point where a lot of people could afford and access the internet. If the internet is only available to a small number of people, the business model will fail. Browsers too have come a long way. Currently, companies will write the same code and a user on a Mac can access it on Safari and anyone on Windows can access it on their browser. Cloud computing is another factor. These services will store any information you provide on their servers and not on your computer.
Enough of the history class. Let us get into what you are here for. Let us look at the benefits of SAAS for you and your business.
Pay as you go
The SAAS business model opened up a different world for both tech companies and users alike. Users are no longer beholden to one company. All it takes to start using a service is registration and within minutes you can access services. The long process of installation is dead and gone.
For businesses, using a SAAS is a monthly expense not a capital expenditure. You pay per month and you no longer have to pay a huge amount to begin using a software you are not sure you will like. You can now use these opportunities to your benefit. We detail this and other methods you could use to your advantage in our article on strategies to implement technology in your business.
Scalability
It used to be that everytime your business grew, something would need to change. If business records increased, so would your need for IT technicians, computers or servers. You would have to replace your computers as they grew old regardless of whether your business grew or not. This was an expenditure that you had to be well prepared for mentally before embarking on your technology adventures. You can imagine getting stressed because your business is growing. Today, you will experience different challenges when adopting technology.
Software as a service changes this for the better. No matter how big your business grows, that is someone else’s concern. They may adjust pricing but you will rarely think about issues such as buying your own servers. SAAS scales well in the long run. You transfer all the hurdles you would have encountered to the providing company for a fraction of the price.
Instant Updates
The good news with buying traditional software is, it's yours. You own it and you can use it for however long you can. The bad news is, the lifetime of bought software is measured in a couple of years not decades. Even if you intend to use it for a very long time, the publishing company may decide they will only support versions younger than yours.
SAAS updates occur frequently including when you are asleep. Some companies roll their updates as much as a couple of times in a day. You don’t have to restart your computer in order for the changes to take place. I don’t have to name any Windows so you know what I am talking about. These updates contain the latest features at no extra cost to you.
Your data is safe
Over the years, you accumulate valuable information. You have accounting information that will be useful for legal purposes. It may be your customer contact information to promote your most recent products. If all that is in your computer, you remain at the mercy of the elements or your cat. A coffee spill could destroy your computer and wreak havoc to your business. When using SAAS, your data is stored in the cloud. Most companies are savvy enough to replicate the data in case of a data breach, an accidental wipe or the office cat misbehaves. You will rarely hear of data being lost.
Being protected against data loss doesn’t mean that it will never occur. What may occur instead is theft of your data. This is one of the disadvantages of SAAS.
Run Anywhere
One of the core tenets of traditional software was that you could only install it on one computer. You had to pay attention to your computer specifications. Some traditional software had a minimum your computer had to meet. The software could not run on a computer that didn’t meet the RAM requirements or the operating system. Each computer had its demands so it could run the software.
Today, the most you will hear is a SAAS that asks you to use a specific browser. A modern computer can store a lot of browsers, so that is no problem. Since SAAS saves your data on the cloud, as long as you have an internet connection, you can login into your account and keep working. Some of the SAAS will even store your theme. Regardless of the computer you use, everything to the minor details will be as you would like it to be.
Better security than yours
The rate of cyber crime is going up and so is your need for good security. We heard of even FB, a large one, getting hacked. You need to protect yourself and one of the ways to do that is to be security conscious and learn everything you need to keep yourself safe. Or, use a company that takes security seriously and outsource the task. There is only so much you can do in a day and becoming a cyber security expert may be low on your list.
A traditional software was somewhat protected if it lacked access to the internet. You relied on the safety protocols of the company that sold you the software. The problem is, if they realized there was a weakness in the code, it could take months before you got the update. It also happens that you are a weak link in your own security. They may be unable to hack your software but they can hack your computer through your poor security practices. SAAS covers this because it stores all data away from your computer. If the company discovers a vulnerability, they rectify it and you will never know it existed. Your sensitive data is away from your computer and even if it is hacked, the damage is minimal.
Let go of the past
Traditional software definitely has its advantages. It worked while there was no better alternative. The future allows you flexibility and that is what you and your business may find to be the best option. SAAS does have some disadvantages which we have addressed in this article. You can check them out and if you want to make a decision, you will be more informed.
