Software as a Service was first introduced in 1998. Since then, SaaS has become a commonly used term and almost everyone using the internet takes advantage of SaaS in one form of the other.
So what exactly is SaaS? In a nutshell, It is a service that people use on the internet. Instead of the complicated process of downloading expensive software, SaaS offers a multitude of services over the internet, revolutionizing modern usage.
Small as well as large businesses rely hugely on SaaS at present. Saas applications are also referred to as web-based software. The software provider takes care of the security, performance, and availability for the end-users.
It is like consuming ready-made food in a restaurant to avoid making it yourself from scratch at home. Readymade food saves a lot of time and is readily available. The same thing goes with web-based software.
Some of the key examples of SaaS that people use daily include Google Workspace, Dropbox, Salesforce, Stripe, Cisco WebEx, Concur, GoToMeeting, and other platforms like Canva. When it comes to SaaS, a lot of advantages and disadvantages can be attributed to it.
Advantages of SaaS
When it comes to advantages, there are a lot of things that can be added to the list. Some of them are-
Affordability
The major reason behind the huge popularity of web-based software is their affordability. They are way cheaper than conventional software and they don’t need regular updates. Most of them are free of cost while the rest only ask for a minimal amount which is way less than purchasing the whole software.
Time-saving
It is by far the most important reason why most companies use SaaS platforms in the first place. They are convenient to use and get the work done in no time. Without SaaS, companies have to pay a hefty price to buy specialized software and invest even more in optimizing it before work.
Accessibility
SaaS applications are just an internet connection away. This is one of the best things about them. You just need to open your web browser and visit the website. Since they run online, it doesn’t matter which operating system you are using, be it Windows, Linux, or Mac OS. not only this, you can also get easy access to the application through your mobile phone or a tablet.
Convenience
SaaS applications run on a cloud-based service, so you don’t have to worry about the installation and update part. On the other hand, conventional software requires regular updates and security. SaaS applications also don’t require additional servers and certain infrastructure. This is the reason why SaaS applications are highly convenient for startups as well as established businesses.
Disadvantages of SaaS
SaaS applications indeed provide convenience and affordability without requiring much. But they also have certain disadvantages. Some of them are-
Security on the internet
Data security is one of the topmost concerns of businesses using SaaS at present. A lot of activity requires dealing with sensitive information that can be misused by other parties. A high degree of trust is a must if businesses want to deal with critical information on the internet.
Average performance
Since applications run remotely on the internet, they can sometimes lack in performance. There can be technical problems or problems that employees have no control over.
Not available without internet
This is an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Without the internet, there is no other way you can get access to a SaaS application. This creates a problem in case there is no internet.
How can brands take advantage of SaaS?
To increase productivity and save a lot of time, different companies use SaaS on a daily basis. With the help of easily accessible tools, companies can be more productive and focus on other aspects like marketing and branding.
Conclusion
SaaS has helped businesses as well as individuals all around the world. The applications offer a plethora of services and make them easily accessible. It is a great alternative to expensive software that require special maintenance. As the internet continues to grow and new businesses come to existence, SaaS will continue to help businesses in the years to come.