Software as a Service - in short SaaS - is a model in which software is provided, maintained, and operated as a service for users. At SaaS providers, customers don't buy software as a product, but buy it as a service - as a subscription - from the cloud. He pays a monthly usage fee. But SaaS is more than just "software rental": SaaS deployment models involve hosting, developing, managing and securing software. Customers save money on having their own IT infrastructure and have flexible, scalable and up-to-date solutions. This is how software becomes a service. Customers are not left alone with software products that are supposed to be finished, but are continuously supplied with software that is constantly monitored. SaaS providers, mostly cloud computing companies, take care of system maintenance, maintenance, and backup, but most importantly, the further development of software.
How common is SaaS?
Software as a Service continues to expand its market share as an alternative to conventional software. Conversely, locally installed applications, known as software at home or on the spot, fail. According to the Bitkom industry association (Cloud Monitor 2015 study), 44 percent of companies use cloud computing and software as a service in 2015 and another 24 percent plan to use it. SaaS and cloud computing in general are changing the IT industry fundamentally.
What benefits does SaaS bring?
1. SaaS allows concentration on the core business.
If you use the Software as a Service, you don't need to worry about technical matters. Customers don't need complicated data centers or IT administration, and they don't need to buy licenses. You can easily work with your cloud application while always ensuring that it functions properly. SaaS Providers provide maintenance, permanent availability, backup and upgrades. This means that SaaS users can focus entirely on tasks that really add value rather than having to deal with annoying IT administration tasks.
2. Cheap SaaS.
Business solutions from the cloud, in contrast to conventional software, save investment and operating costs.
- For Software as a Service, customers do not need their own IT infrastructure.
- There is no need to build or buy knowledge for IT operations on the site.
- Purchases of software licenses, middleware, or databases are removed.
- A quick introduction to Software as a Service results in very short "time-to-value" intervals.
- Only what is needed is paid for: A reputable SaaS provider has a pricing model based on actual usage. Licenses can be ordered or canceled every day. There are no obstacles or overhangs for server load and storage capacity.
- Financial risks are easier to estimate for Software as a Service because monthly SaaS fees are agreed on a contract basis.
- Most SaaS providers allow prospects to try the software for a while through a free trial account. This minimizes risk.
3. SaaS can be introduced quickly.
Time-consuming installation and time-consuming implementation are a thing of the past with Software as a Service: applications are immediately available. Even the standard solutions are very flexible so that the user interface can be adapted to any task. New users can be unlocked in a very short time.
4. SaaS is always the latest.
Without having to worry, SaaS customers always use the latest and greatest version of software. The innovation cycle is shorter for Software as a Service than for traditional software and updates are provided at no additional cost.
5. SaaS is flexible.
SaaS can be adapted to any company size. The function and storage space of the software can be extended at any time. Provided the SaaS solution allows users to duplicate and transfer user settings, new employees can get a work place that is fully functional and can be adjusted in minutes. Anyone who uses modular and integrated business software like Scopevisio can also provide their employees with the modules they need. Salespeople receive CRM licenses, ERP accountants or financial licenses, project manager licenses for ERP or project management applications. Management receives a complete range and thus an overview and evaluation options in all functional areas.
6. SaaS is safe.
Data is still carried on smartphones and tablets, on laptops, USB sticks or portable external hard drives throughout the world. There is always a risk that the device can be stolen, damaged, or lost. Also, computer backups are rarely made reliably every day and patches and security updates are not installed on all machines. In the German cloud provider. On the other hand, Scopevision's corporate data is as secure as it once was within the company itself: Scopevision's redundant server infrastructure is at the Telecity Group's data center location in Frankfurt, which provides the highest level of data and network security.
7. SaaS is reliable.
Traditional applications can be stopped if the server load becomes too large or space becomes scarce. When did the internet crash last? To use the SaaS application from the cloud, all you need is a computer with Internet access. Or tablet. The application is stable and your data is as safe as Abraham's lap. Scopevisio backs up all data three times a day as a backup to the hard drive and also once a day as a backup on tapes. Data is synchronized and asynchronous. They are stored distributed in twelve network segments.
8. SaaS enables new forms of collaboration.
Each registered user has access to data shared with him, whether he is at the head office, business trip or branch office. It only requires a PC with an internet connection. This simplifies collaboration across companies and across companies with, for example, tax consultants or auditors. Likewise suppliers, partners, or customers can be involved if necessary.
9. SaaS is future oriented.
Decentralized corporate organization, cross-company cooperation, permanent flexibility - challenges that companies face today cannot be mastered with conventional software. Conventional systems are too inflexible and too expensive. SaaS is not just an alternative to existing systems, but IT solutions for business processes in the 21st century.
