How SaaS saves businesses money

Software is a key component of business IT however, such related expenses can quickly diminish available budget if not meticulously managed.  Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is a term you’ve likely heard thrown around, but is not often clarified.  The relevancy of SaaS derives from its nature as a cloud computing solution that can help cut costs without sacrificing efficiency.

What is SaaS?

In the past, software was acquired through the purchase of a physical CD or by simply downloading it from the internet. This required installation of the software on the respective devices, with prerequisites of sufficient storage space and processing power in order to run and utilize the given software. Notably, software licenses were also often limited to one device, so users had to purchase additional licenses if they wanted to install the software any other equipment.  This ranged from productivity applications such as the Microsoft Office suite to entertainment products such as video games and audio/visual editors, to name a few pieces of software that consumers are typically familiar with.

For businesses, distributing software was made easier by using local (on-premises) servers. Those of whom have worked within a term server environment, should be able to picture this setup with relative ease.  These servers hosted software programs, which users could access simply via the company’s intranet.  With most users being physically in the office, there was less demand for VPN configuration to accompany this setup.  Users’ devices were primarily used for input and display, while the on-prem servers handled most of the processing, alleviating the hardware requirements for individual workstations. With this setup, many users could simultaneously use a single software license, thanks to affordable licensing packages.

SaaS utilization in contemporary society enables users to access software applications online, computing power from a service provider is practically leased similarly to how a server’s computing power was borrowed in an on-premises hosted software. They can access the software wherever an internet connection is available, using any internet-connected device, such as a laptop or a smartphone instead. This means employees don’t have to be physically present in the office to access their work apps, enabling them to work from home or other remote locations.

How can my company save money with SaaS?

It used to be that new software required a company to buy and manage hardware, licensing, and yearly maintenance fees, adding up to large expenses. By using SaaS,  such upfront costs can be avoided, replaced by a monthly or yearly fee. Businesses will optimize IT operations via this shift, and save money year over year.

This can help businesses save money and simplify their IT operations.  Furthermore, it allows for more options to any given business to implement a service that truly meets their needs.

Can SaaS adapt to my business’s unique requirements?

SaaS providers are constantly adding new features based on user feedback. Moreover, businesses can integrate SaaS applications with other software to meet their specific needs. If a particular feature is missing, integration with another app can fill the gap.  Often times, such products are accompanied with a dedicated Account Manager and support staff that can help address and facilitate any questions or concerns to the proper avenues.  Much benefit is seen in SaaS solutions that allow integration/communication with 3rd-party applications.

Is my company’s data secure with SaaS?

Data security is a top concern for businesses considering SaaS and in general.

Rest assured, SaaS vendors invest heavily in cybersecurity, backup technology, and maintenance. Their reputation and client trust depend on it. They undergo rigorous security audits, especially if they handle sensitive data subject to regulations, such as HIPAA.

When you partner with a SaaS vendor, you work together under a service level agreement or SLA. An SLA  defines who owns which data, how the vendor grants access to your data, along with planning for a disaster or the vendor’s any future financial difficulties.

Reach out to Beringer today!

IT Managed Services and Cybersecurity are a few key areas for our team here at Beringer.  Don’t tackle these various tasks alone, schedule a consultation with our team to review your network’s infrastructure at your convenience!

Beringer Technology Group, a leading Microsoft Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training,  Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.