6 Benefits SaaS Can Offer Your Business
Traditionally, starting and growing a business was often a costly venture; and one that required companies to have proprietary systems in place for everything from payroll processing to recruitment, accounting, sales enablement, and budgeting.
Today, though, that’s no longer the case.
In many ways, opening a business has never been easier; or more cost effective. Thanks in part to the wealth of tools and services that are available today, quite literally at your fingertips!
Software as a Service, or SaaS, is a method of delivering software on demand. Programs can be accessed easily, via the cloud; allowing companies to plug and play, without the need to develop their own systems from scratch. In many ways, the advent and growth of SaaS has benefited small businesses drastically. For one thing, SaaS levels the playing field when it comes to software, allowing small companies to have access to many of the same tools as large corporations; helping them to stay competitive in today’s global marketplace. SaaS also allows startups access to the necessary tools that they need more quickly and easily than in years past; allowing companies to get started right away.
Cloud-based services have been around since 2004, but in recent years, they’ve become the go-to platform of choice for most businesses; and a proven delivery model. In fact, businesses with cloud computing solutions continue to grow their share of the software market, with a projected $50 billion in total revenue by 2018. With this in mind, let’s take a look at six benefits that SaaS can offer your business, and see why you’ll want to consider investing in some of these services.
1.Lower Costs
With SaaS, you don’t usually buy the software outright; instead you rent it; or pay for access to it. Since you aren’t buying the software, the costs involved are cheaper; especially the initial outlay. There are no upfront costs or payments for services you don’t use, and you only pay for the services for the period of time that you need them for, and can cancel your services when you are finished. Since the costs are lower, SaaS allows smaller companies to budget the costs in, without breaking the bank in the process, making it more affordable to start and operate a business.
2.Flexibility to Work Anywhere
Since SaaS is cloud-based, you and your team have the ability to take your work with you wherever you go. Sales people, for instance, can take their work with them, having access to up-to-date information or orders and products can help them to close a sale faster. You can also have up-to-the-minute reports and data from any device, no need to return to the office first.
3.Enhanced Support
With cloud-based software, you’ll usually have instant access to help and support on a more wide scale level. The answers and solutions that you’ll receive are oftentimes, more than what a local helpdesk would be able to offer you. Oftentimes, this help is available 24/7.
4.Scalability
Scalability with SaaS is far easier since the applications are cloud-based. If you’re looking to grow your company, simply adjust your subscription with your provider. This is an especially good benefit for companies that are constantly scaling up and down based on seasonal demands or for rapidly-growing startups.
5.Automated Updates
Regardless of the software that you’re using, it’s going to need to be updated at some point. With SaaS, though, you don’t have to worry about updates; the SaaS provider will manage all of the updates and upgrades, and your software will be updated automatically. This means less stress, and less hassle trying to keep up with everything.
6.Free Trials
Once upon a time, when it came to purchasing new software; business owners usually had to make decisions without trying out the software first. This often led to complications and costly errors if the software wasn’t right for, or compatible with the company. But with SaaS, in most cases, you can try the software out before you commit to buying it; a great way to make sure it will work for your company, before you shell out big bucks for an entire subscription.
As you can see, SaaS can benefit your company in a number of ways; improving efficiency, saving you time and money, and giving you access to valuable data whenever you need it. No matter what you need for your growing business, you’re certain to find a cloud-based solution that’s perfect for you.
