Software as a service (SaaS) is a cloud computing offering that provides users with access to a vendor’s cloud-based software. What are the main benefits of using SaaS?
1. Reduced time to benefit
Software as a service (SaaS) differs from the traditional model because the software (application) is already installed and configured. You can simply provision the server for an instance in the cloud, and in a couple hours, you’ll have the application ready for use.
2. Lower costs
SaaS can provide beneficial cost savings since it usually resides in a shared or multi-tenant environment, where the hardware and software license costs are low compared with the traditional model.
3. Scalability and integration
Usually, SaaS solutions reside in cloud environments that are scalable and have integrations with other SaaS offerings. You only need to enable a new SaaS offering and, in terms of server capacity planning, the SaaS provider will own that. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to be able to scale your SaaS use up and down based on specific needs.
4. New releases (upgrades)
With SaaS, the provider upgrades the solution and it becomes available for their customers. The costs and effort associated with upgrades and new releases are lower than the traditional model.
5. Easy to use and perform proof-of-concepts
SaaS offerings are easy to use since they already come with baked-in best practices and samples. Users can do proof-of-concepts and test the software functionality or a new release feature in advance.
