Why Do Small Businesses Choose SaaS Products?
Today, it is more convenient for every company to ensure that the installation of various software and its support cause as little trouble as possible. Over the past few decades, more and more market participants have given preference to cloud technologies. SaaS is one of the solutions that is becoming a standard for every market participant. If you want to enter the market with your own SaaS solution and are looking for a SaaS design agency, this article is for you. You will find out why businesses choose SaaS products, as well as in which niches SaaS products are popular.
Features of SaaS Products
SaaS is a software distribution model in which the user gains access to all functions exclusively through the Internet. He does not buy or install software locally on his computer. The service runs in the cloud.
There are several parameters that make SaaS different from standard types of software:
- Users can simply refuse to renew payment for a service if they are not satisfied with the service or no longer need it.
- The same service is available to several clients at the same time. Access is available regardless of which operating system and which browser is used. It is enough to have a point with an Internet connection.
- The product does not require the purchase of permanent licenses. Users only need to pay rent for a certain time. Typically, users pay monthly or per data volume.
The most popular SaaS products are in the following areas:
- Management systems
- Web analytics tools.
- Streaming services
- Storage of information and various files.
- Social media.
- Website constructors.
- File editors in the form of text or graphics.
- Email services
- CRM systems.
Advantages And Disadvantages of SaaS Platforms
For users, the positive aspects of this solution are as follows:
- Low technical requirements.
- Software maintenance at a higher level.
- Synchronization, multiplatform.
- Possibility of working with the product by several people at the same time.
- Inclusion of technical support in the price.
- Reducing the workload of IT department employees. No need for local maintenance.
- Fast implementation.
- No installation is required.
- Security at a high level. Less chance of data loss or theft.
- No overpayment.
The downside is that for such work users need the Internet, which works constantly. Although some developers agree to open offline access to platforms.
The speed of access to product functionality is sometimes often low. This is especially true for transferring large amounts of data. The opportunity to get customized offers when using SaaS is reduced to zero.
What Is The Difference Between SaaS, PaaS, And IaaS?
In addition to products provided under the SaaS model, the market also offers solutions distributed under the PaaS and IaaS models. Let’s look at their differences:
SaaS is a fully configured and ready-to-use program that performs specific functions. In the case of SaaS, users gain access to the functionality of the finished product through a browser or through mobile applications and clouds, for example through Google Documents. Users don’t need to install anything on their devices.
When you rent an IaaS infrastructure, you get virtual servers, network settings, and cloud storage that the provider is responsible for. At the same time, you have access to the operating system of virtual servers and greater freedom in configuring and installing applications. IaaS provides computing power to run your solutions and deploy the company’s IT infrastructure.
PaaS solution providers allow users to use ready-made and customized platforms for specialized tasks.
Who Is Responsible For Supporting SaaS Products?
One of the main advantages of SaaS products is that the service provider is responsible for product support. The head of the company or business owner can focus on work. Businesses are not distracted by functions that are directly related to the program. Traditional troubleshooting software requires hiring specialists and investing in repairs. Businesses should also regularly purchase updates and make additional settings in this regard, most often involving specialists again.
SaaS takes a different approach. Only the supplier is responsible for all settings:
- for releasing updates;
- for the correct operation of the software;
- for data safety.
Any issues that arise are resolved with the participation of technical support specialists. Users are provided with training materials if necessary.
Fees For Access to SaaS Products
The standard scheme assumes the presence of renewable payments. So, this model assumes a subscription form. During a specific period, the client pays for the use of certain functions, and the number of certain actions in the system or users. For example, in the case of CRM, everything depends on the number of employees simultaneously working with the program. It is always more profitable for the user to pay for such services in advance, as there are often discounts and bonuses.
Some services provide a minimum set of features at no additional cost. A subscription must be issued when the user wants more advanced functionality. But usually, there are several tariffs, each of which has different functionality.
Some services offer a so-called Enterprise tariff. This is usually the most expensive option, and the possibilities are almost endless. The solution is customized as much as possible for each user and his needs.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the advantages of the SaaS model, the popularity of this product continues to grow among both individual users and businesses. Among the compelling reasons for switching to such models, users note predictable investments, access to the latest versions of software, scalability along with flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It is difficult to imagine business following the latest technological trends without SaaS, as well as the very work of companies without the use of modern technologies. If you want to enter the SaaS market with your own product, we recommend finding reliable SaaS design agencies, since the success of a SaaS solution depends on quality planning, development, and promotion. We recommend paying attention to Dworkz, a SaaS design company from San Francisco. Since 2004, the company has been providing assistance in the development of high-quality B2B SaaS products.
