Saas, among Paas and Iaas, is one of the main services in the cloud deployment model. It provides its customers with services such as applications that can be accessed and used and that are maintained and managed by the cloud service provider.
Software as a service allows users to access application software through web browsers over the internet, easing the burden of installing and maintaining software on their local devices (traditional methods).
Saas is widely used because of its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility among users. As we proceed further in this article, we will focus on What is Saas?, the introduction of Saas, how it works, the key features, benefits, challenges, and limitations, and the common apps of Saas.
Introduction/History and Evolution of SaaS
What is Saas?
Saas can be traced back to the 1960s, when quite different software was introduced on mainframe systems, which is different from the operating systems of today.
However, this wasn’t going well due to the absence of the Internet and the fact that only large businesses could afford the computers needed for software usage. In the 1960s, when minicomputers were introduced, it was also difficult to operate because each application needed coding in its own unique language.
Furthermore, in the 1970s, there was a significant shift when personal computers or microcomputers, were introduced. This computer became popular in offices, homes, companies, and several industries. Due to several users of this computer, a personal computer application like Microsoft Word was installed, making it user-friendly and more accessible.
In the 1990s, there was a great transition to SaaS due to the advent of the internet. There was an introduction and adoption of client-server architecture. In 1998, the first multi-tenant SaaS application was created, which was a great achievement in the industry.
SaaS started gaining popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to a decrease in the cost of computers and the expanded Internet. Salesforce, founded in 1999, became the earliest pioneer of SaaS; they provided customer relationship management software over the Internet.
Some Key Developments in SaaS
Presently, Saas has greatly evolved from traditional client-server software to online application distribution among different clients, making it more accessible and flexible. These are some key developments in SaaS over the last decade:
1. Advancements in AI and Machine Learning
Due to the integration of AI and machine language in SaaS, providers are leveraging it to provide services like personalized user experiences, advanced analytics, and automation capabilities.
2. Increased Security Features and Compliance
Over the years, there has been a significant rise in the threats to the cyber industry. However, SaaS providers have increased their security features, with a focus on providing leading-edge security features such as encryption, authentication, and access controls. Also, compliance with CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA is adhered to.
3. Increased Adoption
Saas has become a popular software service used by several organizations and companies for delivering software applications. Many SaaS providers have transitioned to microservices architecture, improving scalability, flexibility, and deployment efficiency.
4. Mobile-First and Remote Work
As mobile devices came into existence, their significance became prominent, and there was a shift towards a mobile-first approach and remote work tools. Saas providers have developed various applications that are optimized for mobile devices and remote work.
5. API Economy Growth
APIs have quickened the integration between different SaaS applications. This input has permitted several businesses to develop and use more cohesive and streamlined workflows.
Generally, these key developments have shown how rapidly Saas has evolved and is evolving, accompanied by advancements in technology and business needs.
How SaaS Works
let’s delve into how it works. Software as a service works on a subscription basis; that is, the users pay a certain amount depending on the software applications to access the software. The software is hosted on cloud service provider servers such as Azure, AWS, or IBM Cloud, and users are expected to connect to them via the Internet. The cloud provider is in charge of handling, updating, maintaining, and controlling the cloud environment and bugs in which the software is hosted so that users can have unrestricted and unlimited access to the latest features of the applications.
Furthermore, various SaaS applications are configured as software applications with standard settings before being sold or implemented and are managed by the providers. Saas providers are also in charge of the middleware, operating systems, and virtualization. Hardware components like data center servers, storage, and networking are also controlled by the SaaS providers.
Key Features of SaaS
To expand your knowledge of what Saas is, we’ll look at the key features of Saas. These key features include:
1. Automatic Update
All SaaS software applications are automatically updated by the providers so that users can explore the latest features and versions of the applications.
2. Accessibility
Accessibility is another key feature of SaaS; any software application can be easily accessed by millions of people so long as there is an internet connection and a web browser. This feature makes tasks easier for organizations, small-scale businesses, and offices and has experienced massive growth since the transition from traditional client-server to modern server.
3. Scalability
Saas scalability has impacted businesses of all kinds; there is an integration of either scaling up or down depending on the end users’ needs. This feature helps accommodate everyone with any significant changes.
4. Multi-tenancy model
A multi-tenancy model is a type of software that helps different users use the same applications while their data is kept separate and secure. Each of these users is known as the tenant and may be able to personalize some part of the application. The storage area for each user is often separated and given a different database.
5. Subscription Based Billing
In SaaS applications, consumers often pay a certain amount of fee, which is known as subscription-based billing. This fee can be paid weekly, monthly, or annually, but it is not a one-time purchase fee. The fee is usually cost-effective, depending on the software applications and the quantity demanded. Users are permitted to discontinue subscriptions whenever they want to.
6. Data Security
Saas providers ensure that user’s data and information are well-preserved and protected. This data protection is needed because multiple users are sharing the same applications. The data is sometimes encrypted so that a tenant will not have access to another tenant’s data.
7. Customization and Integration
There are often integration and customization options in SaaS applications to interact with other services and software through APIs.
8. Data Analysis and Reporting
Some basic tools in SaaS applications help users with the analysis and reporting of data. These tools help users get more insights and also make informed decisions on matters related to the software.
9. Security and Compliance
Saas applications are well protected against software hijackers and unauthorized entities. There are robust security measures that are put in place to ensure better security of users’ data and compliance with the necessary regulations for securing data. Step-up authentication like password lockout, multi-factor authentication, and lots more are also being implemented.
Benefits of SaaS
There are several benefits to using SaaS applications, including:
- Saas are cost-effective instead of spending large amounts of money on hardware resources.
- With SaaS applications, you can manage your time effectively; all you need is an internet connection.
- Saas offers flexibility, scalability, and accessibility.
- Saas offers high compatibility.
- There are guaranteed levels of service, data recovery, and backups.
- There are some assured levels of security.
- There are automatic updates on the software applications that enable users to explore the latest features.
- Saas applications are accessible on various devices, ranging from mobile devices to laptops.
- SaaS applications offer free trials to users to allow them to explore the software before subscribing.
- Some SaaS applications enable personalization and customization options so that businesses can explore them.
Challenges and Limitations of SaaS
There are several challenges and limitations of SaaS, which include:
- Ambiguity concerning data ownership and control.
- Limited customization options.
- Downtime due to service outages.
- Data breaches and privacy.
- Potential vendor lock-in caused by switching providers.
- Integration issues.
- Limited control over software updates.
- Remote access can introduce latency.
- Dependency on application providers.
Common SaaS Applications
There are diverse kinds of SaaS applications, depending on the demands of your business. They include:
For video creation and editing, you can use WeVideo, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Animoto. For content management systems, you can use WordPress.com, Squarespace, and Wix. For customer relationship management, you can use Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and HubSpot.
For project management, you can use Asana, monday.com, and Trello. You can also use NetSuite, Oracle ERP Cloud, and SAP Business ByDesign for Enterprise resource planning. Shopify, BigCommerce, and Woo are used for E-commerce platforms. CommerceSlack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams are used for Communication and messaging. QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, and Xero are used for accounting and finance. For virtual desktops and remote access, you can use SaaS applications like Citrix Workspace, Amazon WorkSpaces, and VMware Horizon Cloud.
Final Words
In this article, “What is Saas?” We’ve seen that Saas, among Paas and Iaas, is one of the main services in the cloud deployment model. It allows users to access application software through web browsers over the internet, easing the burden of installing and maintaining software on their local devices (traditional methods).
Saas is widely used because of its scalability, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility among users. Unlike the traditional client-server model, SaaS has evolved greatly with its unique key features. The benefits of SaaS are stated above; ensure you go through this article again to understand everything about SaaS.