Adopt a SaaS

For the last few weeks during this pandemic crisis, we have all changed the way we work and collaborate together. Most of us are now connecting remotely to our companies’ digital assets, which posed an interesting challenge to many organizations that were not ready to enable remote work locations.

Various organizations have adopted web conferencing and collaboration tools (such as Microsoft Teams) to allow its employees to virtually connect with their teams and external parties (e.g. providers). But what about the core functions’ business applications and data? What about Human Resources data and tools, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Reporting, etc.?

The Software as a Service model (SaaS) – is becoming mainstream nowadays following the evolution of cloud platform services. From large multinational organizations to small local businesses, cloud-based applications are the method of choice in 2020.

So, what is SaaS?

SaaS is a software delivery method that allows data to be accessed from any device with an internet connection and a web browser. In this web-based model, software editors host and maintain the servers’ infrastructure, databases, and the code that runs the application.

SaaS is also unique from other forms of cloud computing because it is a model where you are essentially paying for a monthly (or yearly) service with a subscription model.

The traditional on-premise software delivery model differs from SaaS in three key ways:

  • SaaS deployments do not require extensive hardware, which allows buyers to outsource most of the IT responsibilities typically required to troubleshoot and maintain the software in-house.

  • SaaS is unique from other forms of cloud computing because it is a model where you essentially pay for a monthly or annual service (subscription model), while on-premise software is usually purchased through a perpetual license.

  • On-premise deployments include additional fees up to 20% per year in maintenance and support. The subscription fee for a SaaS system will typically include the software license, support, and all other fees.

What are the top benefits of using SaaS?

SaaS offers many great advantages over traditional business software installation models. Here are our top six:

  1. Mobility & Accessibility: The only thing you need to access a SaaS application is an internet connection and a browser. You can also use any kind of device to access your app, which makes SaaS more accessible than traditional enterprise software installations.

  2. Scalability: SaaS providers generally offer many subscription options and flexibility to change plans when necessary, for example, when your business grows or when more employees & external guests need access to the service.

  3. Lower initial cost: As explained above, SaaS is subscription-based and has no initial license fees, which results in lower upfront costs. The SaaS provider manages the IT infrastructure that runs the software, which reduces the fees for hardware and software maintenance and accelerates your ROI.

  4. Fast time to market: Your SaaS application is already installed and configured in the cloud. This greatly accelerates the setup stage where you only need a few configuration steps before you are ready to go.

  5. Automatic updates: SaaS providers take care of hardware and software updates, and (in an optimal scenario) bring new and exciting features on a regular basis while keeping the product secure and up to date with the latest standards.

  6. Integration capabilities: Most of the SaaS vendors provide integration endpoints (APIs) to facilitate the connectivity with your IT ecosystem. This drastically reduces the burden of process automation in your organization.

Which SaaS solutions should I choose for my scenario?

At Stellium, we have supported many companies in the selection and implementation of SaaS solutions, and we use this following high-level methodology to ensure customer success.

Identify

Define your business use cases and functional specifications;
List your prerequisites in term of IT integration (technical specifications);

Identify potential candidates in the market (Vendors, Solutions).

Evaluate

Define a shortlist of potential solutions suitable for your business case:

Perform solutions benchmarking on shortlisted candidates;

Go for quick proof-of-values before taking a decision (Solution trials).

Launch

Select your subscription plan & negotiate contract terms with vendor;

Configure of the solution and integrate it with your IT ecosystem;

Rollout to your business users with a proper adoption campaign.

Would you like some advice to help you with the selection and/or implementation of a SaaS solution for your organization? Go ahead and Set up an appointment for a free consultation conference call when it works best for you.

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