The COVID-19 pandemic has only served to highlight the importance of technology, particularly in relation to remote and cloud-based functioning. One of the primary reasons why businesses outsource to a software development company is to get hold of a great SaaS application.
SaaS and the Cloud
SaaS (software as a service) refers to third-party software applications offered in a subscription model with payments at regular intervals. The applications are built on the cloud and delivered to customers through the internet. The software can therefore be accessed from multiple devices.
SaaS Applications for Various Requirements
There are SaaS applications offered through the private cloud, public cloud as well as the hybrid cloud:
- The private cloud version is for the exclusive use of an organization.
- Small organizations can really benefit from the public cloud though, by which the infrastructure is the responsibility of the cloud service. The infrastructure is available for public use, though the particular SaaS application is for the concerned client.
- Hybrid cloud applications can switch between private and public cloud though they are primarily designed for only one of these.
Benefits of the SaaS Model
SaaS has many advantages, such as reduced costs, lesser infrastructural strain on resources, greater scalability, easy upgrades, etc. That’s why SaaS is becoming more of a norm than before for businesses. But this is just an overview of the benefits. Let’s look at the advantages of SaaS in detail:
Lower Initial Costs
With SaaS platforms offered on a subscription basis, there aren’t upfront licensing fees involved. That reduces the initial set up costs that would usually come with upfront paid services and hardware installations.
Lower Maintenance Costs
You can also reduce continuous costs, as you don’t need to worry about software and hardware maintenance. It’s all hosted in the provider’s infrastructure.
Quick Set Up
SaaS applications can be quickly set up since they are configured and installed in the cloud. Unlike traditional software deployment, there aren’t common delays.
Applications Easily Accessible
SaaS applications are also easily accessible. They are available on various devices and can be accessed from anywhere with just an internet connection. There aren’t any hassles involved as with conventional software installation.
Quick Application Upgrades
Upgrades to the application can also be deployed quickly since they are carried out centrally by the software provider. Businesses don’t need their technical departments to handle this.
SaaS applications can provide businesses with data reporting analytics as well as intelligence tools.
Security Feature and Upgrades by Providers
- Businesses also don’t need to worry about security features and upgrades. SaaS providers normally invest significantly in sophisticated security upgrades that translate to improved security for their clients.
- Upgrade options include tighter security versions of perimeter network control. Perimeter network control has usually been about regulating traffic flows through a network. A firewall removes traffic that is unknown and threatening on the basis of a framework or rule set. This can be extended to include intrusion detection systems (IDS) that detect traffic that is suspicious even after it has surpassed the firewall.
- Another security upgrade is an extra layer of security which acts as a further firewall to regulate traffic that passes through multiple subnets.
SaaS is applicable for businesses of various scales and sizes, be they start-ups that don’t have the resources or time to host applications themselves or build their application, or mid-level and multinational organizations for whom SaaS applications are beneficial for certain projects.
Examples of SaaS at Work
- Netflix uses SaaS technology and offers subscription-based services for content viewing. The user can select a subscription plan.
- Online retailer Jet.com makes use of Slack software as a hub for employee communication. It offers multi-platform communication for connecting users and issues various important alerts from the different applications users are on.
- Angry Birds creator Rovio T uses Zendesk for offering support ticketing system for its users. The Zendesk platform helps Rovio to address any issues users have within the game.
SaaS technology works not just for web applications but also applications with mobile access.
As we saw earlier, not all SaaS applications are offered on the public cloud. There are SaaS applications for the private cloud as well. These may not be as simple as the public cloud versions, but vendors provide customers with the required training.
Why Cloud Databases Are Successful
All applications need the foundation of a database for success. Developing and maintaining databases over the cloud also offer plenty of benefits. For starters, a cloud database ensures more scalable and flexible management of the database. Flexibility and functionality of the database are essential to make applications engaging. Users at expert level as well as intermediate level can use cloud databases. It’s because cloud databases are also more reliable since they have redundancy built in as well as round-the-clock uptime. Cloud infrastructures also have the backing of database experts who ensure prompt disaster recovery in just a few hours or even a few minutes, unlike onsite servers that might require days to rectify, causing considerable downtime.
Ultimately, the cloud is the way to go for businesses. The reduced infrastructural burden and the capability of remote access are priceless features that hold particular relevance for the times we are in. Digital marketing services in New York can provide SaaS development to ensure efficient functioning at various levels. Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and remote working, businesses can function like clockwork when they have efficient SaaS solutions.
