What is SaaS?

The ultimate guide to Software as a Service

In traditional software sales, users purchase a license and then install the product on their machine.
SaaS makes your life easier.

A brief history of SaaS

SaaS, or short for Software as a Service, literally means Software as a Service. It may sound a little
strange, but in fact, the concept of SaaS is closer to us than it seems. Internet access is widespread,
and technology is developing faster and faster, so we are increasingly using cloud services. That's
exactly what SaaS is—delivering software installed by a service provider over the Internet. The
origins of these solutions date back to the late 90s when the first SaaS solutions began to appear in
response to the older, less efficient software sharing SaaS applications, i.e., SASP (SaaS
Applications Service Provider). The previous SaaS solutions entailed many more restrictions
(including the mandatory local installation of software).

What is the SaaS system?

In traditional software sales, users buy a license and then install the software on their computers.
SaaS is changing that. The users have a powerful tool at their disposal, although they do not buy it.
In return for the subscription fee, he receives only a login and password from the service provider,
thanks to which, after entering the corresponding site, he can fully use all the functionality of the
software.
The company's costs have been significantly reduced as a direct solution. SaaS can win over such a
huge user base, particularly among small and medium-sized organizations, for reasons other than
just potential cost reductions. Business owners prefer online SaaS applications for similar reasons as
better freedom and mobility. SaaS service systems have no geographical or time restrictions and can
be used anywhere. It virtualized office work when it could be accessed remotely, such as via files,
email, and many office SaaS applications, without the need to be physically present at the business.
This offers priceless advantages to users who frequently travel as well as to businesses with a
distributed organizational structure or who use remote work. The user experience does not own the
software, so they do not need to install it on their computers and they do not maintain it. All updates,
management, and support are always the responsibility of the service provider. This is certainly a
vast improvement over the previous SaaS applications, which were based on, and in most cases,
ended in, the purchase of software. The SaaS applications upend the conventional SaaS approach
and provide a potent instrument that you don't have to purchase for yourself. A new user receives
access to the platform from the service provider in return for a monthly subscription fee, and after
entering his login information and password, can use the entire functionality of the program.

SaaS Development Directions

According to DiS statistics, over 100 software vendors in the European market offer SaaS
applications. Almost as many service providers offer this collaboration Saas applications to their
users. Remote exchange of programs without a server infrastructure and without the need to install a
program on a client's computer became possible only with the wider development of Internet
networks. In Europe, according to the Central Statistical Office (GUS), more than 93% of businesses
already have constant access to the Internet, and 53% have broadband access. Advances in
technology have made lending or leasing software, rather than purchasing its license, one of the
most interesting alternatives to acquiring new SaaS application systems from companies. As a result,
there are over 200 SaaS-ready software titles available, ranging from international corporations like
Microsoft and SAP to local companies like net CRM and wCompany. SaaS applications are most
commonly used in business areas such as online auctions, mobile commerce, e-banking, online
shopping, and business support. On the other hand, the software that is most often provided to
companies is Internet accounting, CRM (for managing relationships with clients and counterparties),
CMS, HR, office tools and software for improving user experience and payroll, as well as graphic
editors (Figma, Photoshop), which are great to replace the work of an expensive designer. The
second direction of development is service provided on demand (software as dem and such),
addressed mainly to non-commercial users. Companies specializing in renting movies or music
albums over the Internet, such as VOD, are leaders in this field.

Online SaaS applications are more than standard

SaaS is a brilliant solution for users who are allergic to expensive software that generally makes it
difficult to enjoy the modern lifestyle. It also means quick access to company documents from
anywhere in the world. To fulfill your professional tasks to the fullest extent possible, you simply
need internet access. Such solutions are becoming increasingly important for integral strategies that
are thinking far "beyond" the field of small and medium enterprises and plan to expand on a large
scale. SaaS applications' ease of use and safety are additional arguments in its favor. To prevent
unwanted access and destruction, all data entered into the service system is encrypted and kept on
specific servers. Additionally, it guarantees the longevity of the records kept in this way. However,
this technique is still quite new to users, so the supply of services significantly exceeds the current
demand. Society needs time to get used to new technological SaaS solutions. Especially if their use
is associated with cash flows or IT risks. When the first online stores and auctions were launched in
the USA, most Americans did not trust online transactions. It took several years for online shopping
to become completely natural. It was the same with e-banking and e-mail. Today, SaaS solutions to
many issues without the service of the Internet have become almost impossible. In this context, SaaS
applications are emerging on the market that can change the lives of many people, but it takes time
to get fully the user experience.
The provision of several systems and SaaS applications over the Internet is now widespread. The
growing popularity of such an action is due to both convenience and economic reasons. In addition,
it provides unlimited opportunities for the development of the company by accessing data from
anywhere you can connect to the network. Therefore, it is worth getting acquainted with the SaaS
service system and considering using it in your enterprise.

What are the examples of SaaS?

Making a list of the features that software should have in advance is worthwhile to avoid regretting
your choice. In addition to ease of use, it is crucial to pay attention to all functions that are offered,
integration choices, template customization, and other similar but equally significant aspects. The
following steps involve reading reviews of the systems and determining which is best suited to your
particular needs.
When choosing SaaS, it is important to pay more attention to the most popular tools. They consist
of:

 Small enterprises, agencies, and independent contractors can use Bonsai to more effectively
manage their workloads and expand their companies. Bonsai is a straightforward solution for
all aspects of business and finance. The SaaS applications assist users in automating every
 step of the customer interaction cycle, including onboarding new clients, contract signing,
appointment scheduling, and thank-you note following bill payment.
 One of the first businesses to launch its SaaS applications in the cloud was Salesforce.
Despite being one of many brands in use today, the brand has endured and continues to be
the major conduit for connecting with businesses and consumers. Their customer
relationship management (CRM) expertise is a strong suit, and the transition to SaaS has
been considerable.
 Dropbox is one of the most extensively utilized services for cloud storage. Its appeal is due
in part to the fact that it serves both individual users and businesses. We found the
fundamental distinction in the business plan collaboration tools. You can upload files, sync
them to local folders, watermark them, and more with Dropbox, in addition to keeping them
in the cloud.

When should you use SaaS?

Software as service-based cloud-based HR solutions, such as KARO HRMS or P&I Loga HR and
payroll, is gaining popularity. Are you still in a cold sweat and getting shivers at the idea of keeping
the entire program "outside"? This kind of service is probably something you already use.
Using your email to access it online is all that is required. On the service provider's servers, they
keep the communications and software. Usually, we use a web browser to log in and access these
sites. SaaS service operates in this manner. The users just pay for the use of the program, not for the
license. Instead of needing to install the SaaS applications on his hardware, he receives full access to
them in exchange. Whenever we use a virtual drive to store data, we can also use SaaS solutions
(e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive).
This is an illustration of how widely used the cloud is, but this kind of service is perfect for daily
work in an organization, especially when more than one individual needs access to specific SaaS
applications. HR software like Portal Manager is a good example.

What are the benefits of SaaS?

The enormous benefit of adopting SaaS solutions is that you do not need to buy a license, which is
typically linked to a constrained number of computers on which the software can be used. You can
utilize the tool independently of location or equipment thanks to cloud SaaS solutions (provided that
it meets the basic conditions, such as Internet access). SaaS applications are now being modified
more and more to function on both computers and mobile devices.
Additionally, time and money are saved by using the program in a SaaS manner. Traditional
software implementation may have solutions in extra expenses, such as the cost of hardware
required for the software's proper operation. There is no concern that we would incur unexpected
fees during deployment while employing software in the cloud because the supplier will provide the
necessary infrastructure.
Utilizing service cloud-based software has the benefit of ensuring access to the most recent version
of the program. We can be sure that we won't miss any significant updates that are crucial for the
proper operation of the program and security because the service provider is in charge of all
obligations relating to the website.
The use of service and software distributed through the SaaS applications system in your enterprise
provides some advantages. First of all, it enables instant use of the software without the requirement
for installation, ensuring independence and enhancing business owners' mobility. Additionally, the
SaaS service system enables you to cut back on expenses related to the purchase of machinery and
the expansion of the company's infrastructure, particularly expenditures related to the purchase of
servers and the allotment of space for these devices. Comparably cheaper subscription rates
compensate for certain software's relatively higher acquisition costs. In addition, maintaining and
updating a previously purchased product entails costs. In the case of software in a SaaS system, it
includes this service in the subscription fee. Technology, like SaaS, still has significant drawbacks.
The biggest disadvantage is the complete dependence on the Internet, which is related to the most
common doubts about entrusting the distributor with the maintenance of all the company's important
data.

Accounting software, CRM SaaS programs for users' relationship management, and systems that
assist HR work are some of the services that are most frequently offered through a SaaS system. The
sector of service offered through the SaaS system is developing dynamically, and we expect this
trend to continue in the future. In Europe, the SaaS system is currently in the process of searching
for market niches with potential service providers. However, companies are increasingly willing to
use the software provided by distributors who have already started using the system. A deeper
analysis of the topic even allows you to observe proposals prepared by companies engaged in the
same type of activity. Europeans are slow to get used to technological innovations, so it takes time
for the system to develop fully. SaaS is a good choice if your startup doesn't have a sizable budget.
Users who wish to know if their proposal will result in a successful budget frequently choose it as
well. This SaaS model, known as "software as a service," is effective for both small and very large
organizations. However, it is important to weigh all of these solutions' benefits and drawbacks
before making a final choice to ensure that it will benefit your company.

SaaS evolution: how has it changed?

Increasing Internet efficiency and the easing of consumer worries about the security and
dependability of such solutions has made the development of service provided through the SaaS
system possible. Thanks to the evolution of SaaS application standards and the expanding
functionality of web browsers, users can now engage with a service system that is located on a
remote server and get a user experience. It has developed interactive SaaS application solutions to
the proliferation of standards used in website development. As a result, every browser has developed
into a setting where separate programs can function without conflict. All programs operate correctly
when used through web browsers as a result of the standardization of the solutions employed for this
purpose, making them accessible to all users independent of the hardware platform and operating
service system.

Thanks to the SaaS service system, companies that use no-code technology are developing quite
successfully. One such company is AppMaster.
The employees of this company are concentrating on results and also use SaaS methods to develop
applications such as:

 web applications
 mobile applications
 as well as a very popular backend.

Thanks to this company, there is a place for SaaS applications to run without code, which in turn
makes it easier to get a good user experience. We do not deny that programming is our future, but
why not help get that long-awaited user experience?