For many years now, there has been a general trend in business to focusing on what you do best – that is, your core competencies – and engaging third parties to provide other equipment, people, expertise, and services. Typically specialist providers can do those other things better, cheaper, faster and with greater flexibility… which frees you up to focus on growing your business.
So why do we keep purchasing software (and expensive upgrades) despite renting other business tools? Until recently, the standard software licensing approach prevented us from doing anything else – thankfully, this has changed and businesses like yours can now rent all types of software on an ‘as needed’ basis from solution providers.
How Does this Work in Practice?
The advent of the interactive website has made things possible that were undreamed off ten years ago. For example, when we do internet banking our bank makes specialist software available on demand to us that we use on our own computer through a web browser. Software-as-a-Service (also known as SaaS) takes this to the next logical phase and gives you similar ‘on demand’ access to a wide range of business applications. Why buy software and pay for upgrades every year when you can access software on the internet for a reasonable monthly fee when you need it?
Where Could I Use Saas?
The short answer is you could use it for any computerized process. Popular applications include payroll, accounting, customer relationship management, timesheets, and project management. You can even create and share your word processing documents and spreadsheets using an online solution.
What are the Main Advantages?
Although saving money is always useful regardless of the business environment, the key advantage is that it frees you up to focus on what your business does best, not managing IT infrastructure and software upgrades. You always have the latest version of the software at your disposal, and you don’t have to worry about the hassles of installing and managing IT hardware.
Can I lose my Data?
No, in fact your data is typically safer when you use subscription software. This is because you no longer have to worry about security back-ups of data on your own computer – your pay-as-you-go-software service provider does this for you on a secure remote server using cloud-computing technology. And in a disaster scenario – such as your office burning down – you can be up and running in a new office (or even from a café with internet access) in no time.
How else will my Firm Benefit?
Besides the obvious advantage of monthly commitments as opposed to capital outlays, companies that use SaaS also benefit in the following ways:
- You have no data back-up worries
- The latest software is always available
- Multi-tenant efficiencies keep costs low
- Flexibility and scalability-to-demand help you manage costs better
- You will hear fewer excuses for poor performance due to software issues
Would you like to know more or explore specific software options? The many options out there can be a minefield, so why not seek help from the experts at Software Shortlist about how software-as-a-service could help your business.
