Advantages of SaaS: Benefits of SaaS vs On Premise
By Kimberly Connella | February 28, 2020 | 0 Comments
What is SaaS?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of SaaS?
Software as a service, or SaaS, is a cloud-based software service that operates on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted. SaaS, along with PaaS and IaaS, is a cloud-computing service.
To learn about all 3 cloud-computing services, check out our free cloud computing guide here.
Essentially, your organization pays an annual fee for software that’s available via a third-party over the internet.
In contrast, traditional on-premise software must be installed, configured, and maintained on costly hardware.
Some examples of popular SaaS applications are Office 365, Dropbox, and Salesforce.
There are both advantages and disadvantages of SaaS.
Here is a list of some of the top advantages of SaaS:
Top Advantages of SaaS
SaaS Accessibility Advantages
- With SaaS, you don’t need to install or run software applications on your computer (Or any computer). Everything you need is accessible through your web browser. Therefore, all you need is an internet connection. You don’t need to worry about operation systems, devices, etc. You also don’t have to worry about location, as one of the benefits of SaaS is the ability to access the software remotely.
Updates and Patches
- With SaaS, you don’t need an IT specialist to install the software on multiple computers throughout your office. Furthermore, you don’t have to maintain software or worry about keeping it up to date on every computer. Everything is taken care of in the cloud. As a result, business operations continue undisturbed by endpoint security and compatibility testing before routine updates and patches.
Payment structure
- With SaaS, you don’t have to worry about any hidden or emergency costs. Most SaaS providers operate with a basic subscription delivery model of a fixed, inclusive monthly or annual fee. It works like a rental. You only pay for the software you are using. Furthermore, subscriptions usually include maintenance, compliance, and security services.
Reliability
- SaaS is ideal for organizations that need applications to run smoothly with minimal input from onsite staff or an internal IT team. For example, if your email server went under because you forgot to update it, then your organization could be without email. However, the chances of this happening while using SaaS platform is highly unlikely. Furthermore, if something did go wrong, the burden would be on your SaaS provider to fix it.
SaaS Scalability Advantages
- With SaaS, as well as with other cloud computing technologies, scalability is one of the greatest advantages. SaaS can grow with an organization and reliably manage increased demand. It’s adaptable (and customizable) to the changing needs of their clients/ users.
Data and Analytics Advantages
- With SaaS, because everything is run on a centralized platform, data is easily captured and provided for analytics use. Furthermore, SaaS platforms often come equipped with reporting and intelligence tools and visualizations that can provide actionable insights to businesses.
Despite its many benefits, SaaS also has a few disadvantages. To read about some of the issues surrounding cloud computing and SaaS, check out our free eBook for more information.
Additionally, if you’re looking for advice on when, how, or if, your organization should switch from on-premise to SaaS, we offer free consultations from our cyber security and IT experts.
Depending on the complexity, industry, and business objectives of your organization, it may or may not be the right move. We can help you figure out what plan best suits your needs.
Finally, you can always find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.