10 FAQs about SaaS Model

 

You may have heard of SaaS (Software as a Service). It has revolutionized the software industry. SaaS has been around for some time now. There are significant benefits associated with adopting SaaS. The model is expected to grow even more rapidly in the future. So, if you are presently not using SaaS it is recommended you adopt it at the earliest.

FAQs about SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)

What is SaaS? In this model, subscribers use software hosted on a remote server. They pay monthly or annual subscription charges to the software provider. Usually, annual subscriptions are cheaper. What you need is an Internet connection. Any device can be used such as a mobile, laptop, or tablet. You need to have login credentials that are supplied by the SaaS provider.

How Do You Choose between SaaS and On-Premise? Initially, you need to figure out the complexity of your enterprise. Ask yourself certain questions to make a decision if SaaS is what you need.

How much software customization is necessary?

Do off-the-shelf solutions meet your entire needs?

Can you afford to buy the software outright?

What is SaaS History? In 1961 John McCarthy, a famous computer scientist, addressed an audience of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) students. He made a bold remark that computation may be in the future available as a public utility such as electricity and water. Incidentally, he was awarded the Turing award for his outstanding work in artificial intelligence. While the idea has existed for a long time the technology to support SaaS became feasible only in the late 1990s.

What Constitutes a Private Cloud? Many people ask this question as they are confused. The cloud consists of a group of extremely complicated infrastructure technologies. Basically, it’s a group of computing devices, databases, and servers that are inter-connected in a manner that subscribers can rent access to their shared full power. Computing resources are scalable and subscribers can dynamically add or reduce the number of computing resources they wish to rent. Cloud can be defined as any resource that is hosted remotely and accessed by the user using the Internet. Infrastructure and deployment platforms are part of the Cloud. SaaS is a core component of the cloud.

Are SaaS and Cloud Computing the same? Many people ask this question as they are confused. The cloud consists of a group of extremely complicated infrastructure technologies. Basically, it’s a group of computing devices, databases, and servers that are inter-connected in a manner that subscribers can rent access to their shared full power. Computing resources are scalable and subscribers can dynamically add or reduce the number of computing resources they wish to rent. Cloud can be defined as any resource that is hosted remotely and accessed by the user using the Internet. Infrastructure and deployment platforms are part of the Cloud. SaaS is a core component of the cloud.

Are there Internet / Operating System Limitations? A valid concern is a compatibility with multiple operating systems. Generally, you don’t need to worry. The software will be delivered through web browsers and compatible with all operating systems. Rarely you may need to obtain a new web browser for efficiency and effectiveness. SaaS needs a strong and stable Internet connection. But sometimes the Internet may malfunction. Then you cannot access the required software online.

What to do if the SaaS Vendor Goes Out of Business? As with any other kind of business, there is a risk of the SaaS provider going out of business. Usually, SaaS providers prepay their data center hosting entity. This is done to make sure subscribers still have access to their data in case something adverse occurs to the SaaS provider. Before selecting a SaaS provider, find out how experienced it is. Another crucial factor is how successful their business is.

Does SaaS Keep My Data Safe? This is a valid concern. You may be of the opinion that locally stored software is more secure than software hosted on the cloud. But the situation has changed from earlier times. The track record of SaaS providers clearly demonstrates that SaaS is a secure and safe technology. SaaS providers have more financial resources than small and medium enterprises.  Thus, they buy and operate state-of-the-art security technologies. Thanks to their extensive experience they are well versed in security best practices.

Who Has the Ownership Rights Over Your Data? Usually, the subscriber has ownership rights over his/her data. There are usually clauses in the SLA (Service Level Agreements) that say that you have ownership over your data located on the cloud provider’s server and that you have full rights to retrieve your data.

Is it Possible to Customize SaaS Software? Yes, it is possible to do so whether it is a personal or business requirement. The good news is that it is becoming easier to customize SaaS software. You can customize the look and feel of the application. Users have the freedom to determine what data is visible. They can add or delete business features.