Software as a Service (SaaS)

1. What is SaaS?

Software as a Service (SaaS) is an ideal method of software delivery that enables data to be accessed from any device with an online connection and an internet browser. In the model that is based on the internet, the SaaS providers take up the responsibility of doing all the maintenance, updates, and hosting of the servers for the application. The cloud-based model is so common now that according to a recent study, over 60% of software seekers only want web-based products - less than 2% specifically enquire for on-premise software.

SaaS is different from a traditional delivery model like on-premise software in a few ways, they are as follows:

• Buyers of SaaS software can outsource their IT responsibilities because heavy-duty hardware is not required in SaaS. They also do not need to invest in in-house troubleshooting solutions.
• Traditional on-premise software has to be bought upfront, whereas SaaS software can be purchased on a subscription basis by the customer.

2. What is the history of SaaS?

Even though the concept of SaaS has been there for a few decades it was only when internet support was feasible, it became mainstream.

SaaS software was not taken seriously by on-premise and enterprise users in the initial days of its arrival. But the past decade has shown rapid SaaS growth and adoption with a brand new set of companies using software for the first time. Cloud software adoptions are growing far quicker than other cloud technology segments, like Platform-as-a-Servics (PaaS) or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) products.

3. What are the features of SaaS?

A. Multi-tenancy Model:

Multi-tenancy is a kind of software architecture within which one deployment of a software application serves multiple customers

B. Automated Provisioning:

So that users have the ability to use the SaaS software anywhere, they prefer the provisioning system to be automated for maximum efficiency.

C. Single sign-on:

An enterprise organization would want to have a single identity system in place, so as to authenticate the various systems which are going to be consumed by users.

D. Subscription-based Billing:

SaaS software users need not break their heads over too many terms like licensing costs, upgrade, maintenance costs, etc., A simple subscription-based billing would be enough.

E. High Availability:

Since SaaS software is going to be utilized by many users. The providers need to ensure that it has high availability.

F. Elastic Infrastructure:

SaaS applications usage is usually not predictable, consumption can dramatically vary in some months.

G. Data Security:

Ensuring that the data/business information is protected against corruption and unauthorized access is incredibly important in today’s world.

H. Application Security:

SaaS software providers need to ensure that the software gives a high level of security to their users.

I. Rate Limiting/QoS:

Every business has preferred/important users other than the regular list of users using the applications.

J. Audit:

Generally, SaaS applications are equipped with providing audit logs of business transactions and this allows customers to figure out a business strategy by applying business intelligence plans.

4. How to build a SaaS application?

• Offer your customers a transparent and reliable service. The SaaS model requires you to supply solid and consistent service.
• Do market research and define your competitors.
• Select a technology stack.
• Choose your pricing strategy.
• Find SaaS developers.

5. What are the components of SaaS?

The components that you need for an efficient SaaS Application are as follows:

• Know your users. An effective user interface leads to a successful SaaS model
• Keep your design process agile.
• Pair up your consistency.
• Improve your users' efficiencies.
• Give the assistance users need.
• Don't forget the creative touch

6. What are the Advantages of SaaS?

• Regular and longer-lasting revenue for developers.
• Lower up-front costs for users.
• Developers can attract a bigger potential customer base (due to lower up-front costs).
• Users get regular, instant updates and new features without having to buy new versions.
• The users have the ability to use the service for free and check whether it supports their needs and requirements by using the trial period capability.

7. What are the top Applications of SaaS?

The top applications of SaaS are as follows

• Hybrid Cloud Approach.
• Testing and development.
• Big data analysis.
• Storage.
• Recovery.
• Backup.