SaaS

SaaS (Software as a Service) is one of the forms of cloud computing, a service model in which subscribers are provided with ready-made software application fully serviced by the provider.

The vendor in this model independently manages the app giving customers access to functions from client devices, usually through a mobile application or web browser.

The main advantage of the SaaS model for the consumer is the absence of costs associated with the installation, update and maintenance of the equipment and the software running on it.

The SaaS model

• The app is adapted for remote use;
• One application is used by several clients;
• Payment is charged either in the form of a monthly subscription fee, or on the basis of the volume of transactions;
• Technical support of the app is included in the payment;
• Updating is quick and transparent for customers.

As in all forms of cloud computing, customers pay not for owning software, but for renting it. Thus, unlike the classical software licensing scheme, the customer has relatively low recurring costs, and does not need to invest a significant amount in the purchase of the application program and the necessary software-platform and hardware tools for its deployment, and then maintain its operability.

The periodic payment scheme assumes that if the need for software is temporarily absent, then the customer can suspend its use and freeze payments to the developer.

Positive SaaS factors for customers

• There is no need to install software for user workstations - access to the software is carried out through a regular Web browser (less often through a special client program);
• A radical reduction in the cost of deploying the system in the organization. This is the cost of renting a room, organizing a data center, paying employees, etc.;
• Reducing the cost of technical support and the upgrade of deployed systems (even their complete absence);
• The speed of implementation, due to the lack of time to deploy the system;
• Clear interface - most employees are already accustomed to using web services;
• Clarity and predictability of payments, protection of investments;
• Multiplatform - the user does not depend on the software and hardware platform chosen by the developer;
• Ability to get a higher level of software maintenance.

Negative factors

• Functionality is limited to the wishes of service provider, the program is usually created to cover a set of features and can not cover all the company demands;
• Lack of integration with company in-house software lead to the necessity to duplicate some data and processes in several programs;