What is SaaS? (Software as a Service) – SaaS Examples
Nowadays, software has also eliminated the need for many hardware. For example, with SaaS technology, all you need for service exchange is a device with an internet connection. So what is SaaS and how does this technology, which you use intensively without realizing it, work?
What is SaaS?
SaaS is a term that briefly expresses the phrase “Software as a Service”. In real terms, it refers to a technology that can offer many services only through software. It is a method that includes software that can meet both business and personal needs without requiring any application and extra physical hardware, and can be used by simply entering the browser from a device with an internet connection. Many services, from e-mail services to calendars, office tools, storage services to website tools, are offered in the form of SaaS.
What is SaaS?
SaaS means “Software as a Service”. It refers to software that is accessed from devices with an internet connection and does not require applications or hardware.
What are the Basic Features of SaaS?
Hosting with Hosting Method
Cloud-Based Usage Principle
Access with Browser
Subscription Fee (Monthly/Yearly)
Central Hardware and Infrastructure Management
Multi-User Architecture
In software called SaaS, data is hosted with the hosting method and the service works with a cloud-based usage principle. Users can access the relevant data only by using a browser, and can make edits and updates within the scope of the service received. It is possible to benefit from these software, which are usually charged with monthly or annual subscriptions, with the “pay as you use” logic.
Basic Features of SaaS
SaaS hosts data in the cloud and users only access it with a browser. It works with a subscription model and is compatible with multi-user architecture.
It is the duty of the institution that provides central hardware, basic infrastructure, application and middleware management service for software. SaaS service, where security and management are provided centrally, is especially used in business organizations because it is compatible with multi-user architecture.
Which Brands Have the Most Known SaaS Business Model?
Since its development, it has become a business model for most of the widely preferred brands, spreading almost all of the digital tools and services. One of the most popular brands using this model is HootSuite. HootSuite is a service that allows social networks to be integrated and managed in a single dashboard.
Zoom, which is frequently preferred for online meetings, live lessons, online events and broadcasts, also provides services by developing cloud-based software. Asana also stands out as a SaaS used for task, project and organization management. HubSpot, which offers one of the most comprehensive services in the marketing and sales world, also has this business model.
What are the advantages of the SaaS model?
No hardware and personnel requirements
Access with internet connection
Easy and fast updates
Cloud-based data security
Low cost, easy use
Scalability
It has a hardware configuration and infrastructure compatible with average business and personal computers: It does not require a special hardware and personnel team.
An internet connection is sufficient for access: In addition to desktops and laptops, there is also mobile access from tablets and smartphones.
Updates are made easily and quickly: Updates can be made without interrupting the processes. There are no tests that cause the system to slow down and security updates do not take long.
Data is stored securely in the cloud: In this way, there is no data loss and the relevant data can be accessed from every device that accesses the software.
Low cost, easy to use: Since it is scalable, there is freedom to make choices according to the size of projects and organizations.
SaaS Advantages
SaaS offers advantages such as low cost, easy use, secure data storage and fast updates. It can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
What are the Disadvantages of the SaaS Model?
Data Security Issues
Performance Decreases
API Incompatibilities
Difficulty of Control as the Number of Users Increases
Dependence on Internet Connection
It is not always possible to be sure of data security: Sharing sensitive data with a service provider can create an uncontrollable situation.
There is a possibility of encountering performance decreases: The performance of a software service received from a remote data center may be lower than desktop applications running on powerful hardware.
There may be incompatibility between in-house APIs: Integration with external software is difficult.
It may become difficult to control as the number of users increases: An update deficiency in one of the users may affect all users.
Uninterrupted and fast internet access is essential: Problems that may arise in the internet connection may make it impossible to access data.
Disadvantages of SaaS
There are disadvantages such as data security risk, performance degradation and in-house API incompatibility. Uninterrupted internet access is required.
What are SaaS Examples?
Email Services
GMail, Outlook, Yandex Mail
Cloud Storage Services
Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox
Communication Applications
Slack, Asana
Live Chat Services
Zendesk
Online Business Tools
G Suite, Outlook
Design Software
Canva, Adobe CC, Picsart
Almost any service where data can be entered and recorded for later access, viewing, editing and updating can be an example of this. The most well-known and widely used example is email services. All services such as GMail, Outlook, Yandex Mail work with this logic.
Most of the services where the term “cloud” is used are software-based. It is also possible to access cloud storage services such as Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox from the browser. Examples include communication applications such as Slack, live chat services such as Zendesk, online business tools such as G Suite, and design software such as Canva.
SaaS Examples
GMail, Google Drive, Slack, Zendesk, and Canva are widely used SaaS examples. These services provide access over the internet.
What are the Differences Between Traditional E-commerce Platforms and SaaS Systems?
A traditional e-commerce platform refers to complex infrastructures with simple use. Although it has complex series in terms of infrastructure and background, it becomes user-friendly thanks to API and SaaS. Software can be a tool for traditional e-commerce platforms. Because these software are usually prepared for a specific service. The scope of the task and its functions are limited.
However, there are also e-commerce platforms such as IdeaSoft that provide services with the SaaS model. You can benefit from the services in question with the e-commerce packages offered by the platforms.
