Michalina Staszewska
Familiar with the topic of cloud computing, you’ve surely heard of such names as IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service). The names cited are cloud computing models. They differ primarily in their specifications and in what the user himself can do. Today’s article topic will be a detailed description of the most popular model, that is – SaaS software.
SaaS (Software as a Service) is off-the-shelf software available through cloud computing. It does not require installation on a private device, license purchase or in-house updates. Using cloud solutions in a SaaS service model is very user-friendly. The software can be operated via the Internet from a browser or API. Costs for using cloud software are charged according to the “pay-as-you-go” principle. The customer pays only for the resources it will use. In addition, SaaS services have subscription payment options.
The main advantage of off-the-shelf programs in the cloud is the low involvement of the client in the operation of the service and the possibility of changes. For people who do not have a specific idea about IT operations, this is an ideal option. Cloud solutions are the full responsibility of the service provider, it is the responsibility of the service provider to maintain the infrastructure, ensure high security and backup standards. The SaaS service provider is also responsible for all updates, maintaining an always-available and working application environment, and making sure the hardware is trouble-free. All aspects relating to the operation of cloud software are required to be met by the SaaS service provider. The customer receives a ready-to-use, optimized service. Learn more about shared responsibility in our previous article.
SaaS services are end-to-end solutions that focus on customers’ problems. Their tasks are different. They arise primarily from the needs that the customer has at any given time. The SaaS model means a huge variety of available services, from which everyone is sure to find something to suit their own needs. Placing SaaS in the cloud also plays an important role in the convenience and speed of work, significantly speeding it up.
Software-as-a-Service meets many needs that standard software would not be able to handle. A definite difference is the way we can use the finished solution in the cloud. All actions performed from a browser via the Internet or API are an extremely convenient way to manage IT infrastructure. The customer does not need unnecessary installation of programs on his device, saving disk space. In addition, the use of the software is not limited to a single device, thanks to data that is stored in the cloud. The user uses the service at a time that suits him from any device. The only condition is access to a secure network connection. With total access to the application from anywhere on earth, implementing changes is much faster. In the event of a hardware failure, the data is not affected in any way. Also, access to them will not be restricted in any way.
All software wants to ensure the highest standards regarding security. Using cloud solutions, you can rest assured that your infrastructure is protected with top-notch security, but also meets all regulatory requirements and regulations. Despite the cloud provider’s attention to a high level of security, it is worth bearing in mind that the data processed in the SaaS application is protected only by us. We are responsible for them, so compliance with safety rules also applies to us – the customers.
Lower costs are an equally appreciated relationship when using a SaaS solution. Buying classic versions of applications not only takes up a lot of hard drive space, but they are often costs that exceed four-digit figures for popular ERP solutions or IT tools.
Buying a standard program makes sense if you buy it for the long term, but what if the program doesn’t work out, or you give up on the business? In such cases, we will only spend money unnecessarily. A SaaS solution gives you the freedom to use it. We can turn them off at any time without incurring additional costs.
Using SaaS applications in the cloud, we are assured of flexibility and scalability of operations. Resources can be adjusted as needed without interrupting services.
According to one IDG report, up to 89% of respondents used SaaS. The survey looked at people who use cloud computing. At the time, it was estimated that the rate would rise to 95% within 18 months. It follows that companies using the cloud are eager to choose solutions based on a model in the form of software-as-a-service.
The upward trend can also be seen in Poland. In data collected by the General Statistics Office, 28.7% of enterprises used paid cloud services in 2021, with the majority of services based on off-the-shelf software running in the cloud.
There are more and more reports regarding cloud participation and model usage by enterprises. They corroborate statements about the cloud taking over a significant part of the operation of enterprises. The cloud is a tool that will revolutionize the world and be an opening to new technologies that will take businesses to higher levels.
A typical example of a SaaS solution hosted in the cloud is Microsoft Office 365 services. The software is used by hundreds of thousands of people, but hardly anyone is aware of how the service works on virtual servers. The second Microsoft-branded product delivered to users in a SaaS model is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Microsoft is not the only brand providing software as a service in the cloud, but it is one of the most recognizable, thanks to Office. Building it on a SaaS model has given users the ability to use it from anywhere they are and without the limitations of the hardware they use.
What is your opinion on the use of cloud applications in business? In your opinion, is SaaS a better solution than standard software?
