SaaS - The future of Web development

Forgetopen source

vsclosed source –focus on SaaS

Commercial in Confidence | 1 October, 2015SaaS – The new frontier for applications

IntroductionBackground to the industry


The open source versus closed source argument has been raging across the interwebs for the last ten years.

Proponents of open source talk about the infinite capabilities of worldwide

development, while advocates for closed source expound that their code bases are

secure, and thus less vulnerable to hacks.

But we’ve moved on from this debate, its nuances and preferences and users’

biases – what we should be focusing on is SaaS.


What is SaaS?And how can it help your business?


Software as a Service (SaaS) is a subscription-based method of providing applications.

Products like Salesforce and MailChimp are SaaS applications that have

transformed their markets – you can access your data via any browser.

Rather than downloading a product, installing it on your computer, and having to

manage it yourself, you visits the SaaS site via a browser, enters their login details,

and accesses the application.


7 benefits of SaaSWhat SaaS does differently to your current systems


Lower costsPay as you go subscriptions


Most SaaS applications are available on a subscription basis.

This means that your business doesn’t have to spend a huge amount upfront to get your

service running.

And as the business grows, you can simply adjust your monthly subscription to

accommodate more users, rather than having to invest in further server capacity or

software licenses.

Installation, integration and maintenance are all handled by the provider, enabling you

to reduce on-premise hardware costs, software costs, and IT expertise which often

requires on-staff resourcing.


Ongoing support and no lock inFind the support your business needs


A SaaS platform usually comes with free ongoing support and no contracts.

A SaaS provider will partner with you and support you in the use of their system –

it’s in their best interests that you’re happy with the product too!

A traditional software model requires the customer to pay a license fee upfront,

and support can be inconsistent, as the business has already made the sale.

SaaS providers generally charge on a monthly basis with no contracts, meaning

that there is no lock-in. Their growth is based on ease of use, engagement with

clients and ongoing support.


Ease of useQuick and painless deployment


A SaaS application is already installed as a complete system from the time a customer logs inEssentially, it’s always ready to use and up to date.

On-premise applications can take years to install and customize, often at great

cost. With SaaS, elements simply need to be turned on by the provider in order for

the benefits to be delivered.

Many SaaS applications also neatly integrate with third party systems, meaning

product catalogues and client lists can be imported and used without separate

instances of data entry.


Product developments and upgradesFocus on delivering business value, not technical support


Never have to worry about outdated technology again.

SaaS platforms deliver continuous improvement and enhancements.

Often, innovations within SaaS applications are led by its users, and then developed

with the broader customer base in mind.

Following vigorous testing, the updates are deployed en masse by the provider,

allowing every customer to reap the benefits of the development.


Anytime, anywhereSimple engagement through a unified platform


“Installing a system” will become a thing of the past

When you need to download software or install hardware on-site, work always has

to be done “at work”.

One of the major benefits of a SaaS application is that a customer can access their

data from anywhere, and on any device.

If they’re out on the road selling, have flexible working arrangements, or travelling

for business, staff are still able to work just as they would in the office.


True multi-tenant architectureDesigned to deliver performance and scale


Multi-tenant architecture means the infrastructure can scale right up or down to meet a business’s needs.

The infrastructure houses many servers that can be used based on the customer’s

need – a smaller business may only need a small portion of one server’s capacity,

but if they have a huge sale, or a special release, their usage needs will increase,

and they may need a whole server, or multiple servers, to meet the demand.

With regards to multi-tenancy, think of servers as hotels. If one hotel is booked up

(e.g. receiving a lot of traffic), another hotel (server) will take the overflow until

conditions change.


High securityProtecting your applications from access to data and malicious activities


Protect your critical web applications and data

SaaS providers are always looking for ways to better protect their systems. As an

example, Web Application Firewalls (WAF) are used to analyze all user access to

your business-critical web applications and protect your applications and data from

cyber attacks.

Security including upgrades, patches, and data center hosting is controlled by the

provider, who has robust SLAs with their own suppliers; experts working on their

application’s security every day; and data recovery for peace of mind.


Become a market leaderFocus on what you do best


SaaS means more time on the things you know and love

Outsourcing the hardware, installation, management, security and support for your

applications allows you to save time and money for your business. And the

constant innovation of SaaS means your system is running the best available

technology.

With SaaS, you can apply your resources to the elements that are going to mean

the most to your bottom line, safe in the knowledge that your data is secure, and

constantly being managed and monitored by a dedicated team of experts.

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SaaS - The future of Web development

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