Software as a service (SaaS) is an on-demand solution that provides businesses an affordable way to use a software application without having to purchase it. This is done by leasing the program from a provider and either accessing it through the internet or accessing it after you’ve installed it locally. As an IT business solution, SaaS has become an increasingly popular choice since companies only rent the software, rather than committing to the purchase price of the application and user licensing.
Many popular applications are available as SaaS. Several well-known and free SaaS solutions are Hotmail, Google Docs and Yahoo Instant Messenger. Business-centric, on-demand solutions that include services such as payroll applications, CRM solutions, business-class email, online storage and more are also becoming increasingly popular.
Latest and greatest
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Microsoft has recently entered the SaaS arena with their Windows Azure Platform. Currently offering a limited suite of SaaS solutions, Microsoft will eventually offer all of their applications as SaaS, while still offering all applications as local solutions.
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Google has also joined the SaaS movement and is offering Google Apps Premier Edition. Unlike previous Google applications that were free and intended for individual consumers, the Premier Edition has business solutions that will offer a complete suite of business applications.
Key benefits
Regardless of what type of business you own, you will realize several benefits if you choose a SaaS solution. Benefits include the following:
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Affordable – With SaaS, you won’t have a large up-front capital expense as you would if you chose to purchase the software. A reasonable monthly fee is all you will pay to have the latest version of your favorite software. You won’t need to spend money purchasing and installing software. You won’t have to worry about the cost of upgrading it, either. Your SaaS provider will take care of it so you don’t have to.
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Flexible – Because SaaS is offered as an on-demand service, you can adjust your contract to fit your staffing needs.
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Stable – The SaaS applications are installed on more powerful, secure, and redundant hardware infrastructure than you could afford to own.
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Quick deployment – Because most SaaS solutions are web-based, deployment is instantaneous, giving you immediate access to the business solutions you need.
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Accessible – Regardless of where you do business, you will always have access to your SaaS applications as long as you have access to the internet.
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Compatible – Most SaaS applications are compatible with most systems and smart phones.
Learn more
To learn more about SaaS and how it might fit into your business plan, please call the IT consulting experts at VNET IT at 866.4.VNET.IT.