Cloud-Based SaaS Technology
Cloud-based SaaS is sometimes referred to as “cloud computing”, or just “cloud” for short. A cloud-based SaaS product can be run remotely by an organization, rather than being installed locally on an individual machine, which frees up resources for business tasks in addition to making use of off-site server capacity.
SaaS (Software as a Service) in nutshell is a method of delivering software and applications over the internet via a subscription model as a service. Allows users to connect and use cloud-based apps over the internet. It’s a form of cloud computing. SaaS eliminates the need for organizations to install and run applications on their own computers or in their own data centers.
How does SaaS Work?
SaaS reduces users’ upfront costs by eliminating the need to purchase software permanently or invest in robust on-premise IT infrastructures. Software vendors typically choose one or two common deployment models:
In their own data center
Through a public cloud service provider like AWS, Azure, or IBM Cloud, that manages the cloud environment on which the SaaS solution is hosted.
Most SaaS applications are preconfigured plug-in-play products where the SaaS provider manages everything behind the app, including:
Hardware components: Networking, Storage, Data Center Servers
Platforms: Virtualization, Operating System, Middleware
Software Requirements: Runtime, Data, Application
Benefits:
Subscription-Based
Cost Efficient
Access Sophisticated Applications
Accessible From Anywhere
Saves Time
Scalability
Reliability
Frequent Updates
Enhanced Security
Try And Use
Used In:
Communication and Collaboration Tools
Customer Relationship Management
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
Billing
Sales Management
Human Resource Management
Financial Management
Enterprise Resource Planning
Examples:
Email: Gmail, Outlook
ASPs: Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365
Storage: Dropbox, OneDrive
Other Apps: Slack, Shopify, Atlassian Jira, HubSpot, Salesforce
SaaS integration is typically delivered through an Application Programming Interface (API). It is a wise investment and the best solution for organizations to integrate SaaS services if they are using their own applications. A SaaS user gains hosted and managed platforms, applications, and data services that streamline the hybrid cloud experience, reducing the operational cost and complexity of delivering cloud-native applications.
The combination of the World Wide Web and Web 2.0 has created a new way for people to communicate and get information from one another. It has also resulted in more businesses turning to SaaS technology as a way to stay competitive. The technology is all available to us, but most importantly, the application fits our business model.
When you're starting a new product or service, it's vital that you attract new customers to buy your product or service. The challenge with cloud-based SaaS technology is that it could be better known as more traditional enterprise software.