SaaS Full Form

SaaS full form is Software as a Service is a software which is based on licensing and delivery model which helps to provide access to software and use its functions remotely with the help of the internet.

What is the Full Form of SaaS?

As mentioned above the full form of SaaS is Software as a Service. In this model or service software applications are hosted, managed and maintained by the service provider and the license is given based on subscription. This provides flexibility as users don’t need to install the software in their own system they can access the software through the Internet. The software can be easily available to use with web browsers, smartphones, etc. SaaS helps an individual to be away from critical software and hardware management.

What is the History of SaaS?

• SaaS was developed in the late 1950 and early 1960
• By mid 90 it was based on an online cloud which provided users to access software from anywhere.
• In 1999 Salesforce become the forerunner in field SaaS
• The first SaaS application was based on Web tools like email
• SaaS started gaining popularity from 2000

What are the Major Highlights of SaaS?

Below mentioned are some major highlights of SaaS:

• Increase in adoption: It has become a dominant model which provides software applications through the Internet. Many organizations have completely shifted to SaaS solutions which are based on Cloud and have resulted in flexibility and lowering the cost.
• Cloud Infrastructure: It has been in great demand. Organizations are investing heavily to expand their cloud services. Major cloud providers like Google, Microsoft Azure and many more are providing great services.
• Provides Platform: SaaS providers help in creating platforms which enable third parties to establish and develop their own applications on SaaS.
• Better Integration: SaaS regularly provide integration with other services which helps in easy connection and data sharing across multiple systems and platforms
• Mobile friendly:  SaaS applications are developed which can be used in smartphones.
• Use of AI: SaaS providers are also using artificial intelligence which helps in providing
• advanced functionality like analyzing, machine learning and much more.
• Data Security: As in the digital world security plays an important role as it offers features like encryption, access controls and authentication.

 How does SaaS work?

SaaS works completely on cloud delivery. The service provider hosts the application or service using their servers, databases, networking and computing resources. All the services can be easily accessed with the help of the Internet. SaaS applications can be easily accessed with the help of web browsers.

 What Are the Features of SaaS?

Mentioned below are the features of SaaS:

• Boosts management which helps in effective identification and monitoring at the time of sales cycle
• Helps in improving sales and marketing.
• Improves data management.
• Improves contact management with better storing, tracking and organizing of information like customer details, prospects and sales.

What are the Characteristics of SaaS?

Below mentioned are the characteristics of SaaS:

• Easy Customisation: Individuals with the help of SaaS can easily customize applications according to their needs. As SaaS provides each user and organization access to make changes.
• Better Access: As SaaS works on the cloud it gives flexibility as any user can access the software from anywhere in the world through the internet which helps in editing and working remotely.
• Provides web: It gives freedom to customize content with just one click and makes it easy to edit or update long data on a regular basis.
• Flexible Payments:  It saves from purchasing the entire software as a user can pay for software required on a monthly or yearly subscription. It can be terminated also if not required.
• Pricing Based on Subscription: The SaaS offers subscriptions to its user which provides them flexibility to choose according to their need or requirement.
• Security: They provide encrypted storage which helps in limiting the access to sensitive or confidential information. With the help of Key management frameworks, the users get additional protection.
• Easy to collaborate: Users can easily collaborate with others which helps all users to comment, add, edit and share the work

What are the Benefits of SaaS?

Mentioned below are the benefits of SaaS:

• Requires low set-up: You have to pay for the applications or software you are using.
• Low Infrastructure Costs: As SaaS is based on the cloud there is no need for investing in big infrastructure.
• Scalability: You can set the limits of people who can access the system according to the organization’s needs and requirements.
• EasilyAccessible: To access the application a user just requires an internet
• AutomaticandFrequentUpdates: The application provider regularly offers updates according to the feedback and needs of the users which downloads automatically.
• HighLevelof Security:  The SaaS provides high security which keeps all data secure.
• 24x7Access: All applications/software being on the cloud provides a freedom that users can access the functions and work anytime and from anywhere.
• LowDependence: The organization don’t have to depend on the operating system as everything is via the Internet, so there is no need for regular maintenance of systems
• Better Growth: By using SaaS applications/software organizations can more efficiently focus on sales and ensure the best customer satisfaction

What are the Disadvantages or Challenges of SaaS?

Below are the mentioned challenges or disadvantages of using SaaS:

• VersionIssues: As due to high demand providers update their applications regularly, some people don’t like regular updates but they have no option as updates get automatically installed. After that organization have to train its staff for using new updates
• ProblemswhilechangingVendors: While changing vendors it becomes more complicated because it needs to migrate large data which is unsafe for the organization as being available on the internet it can be easily shared
• Security: Due to online scams and data theft every individual or organization has a fear to trust any provider which becomes a challenge for SaaS.
• InternetConnectivity: As every SaaS application/software depends on the internet if the user is facing low internet connectivity it will reduce his experience of working.
• LessControl: As SaaS applications/software are managed by third parties thus users don’t have any control over subscription charges it depends completely on the provider and what plans they offer.

 Different Types of Concerns Related to SaaS Security and Privacy

• Security monitoring
• Identity and access management
• Encryption
• Management
• Incident response
• Data privacy
• Lack of communication with technical staff

What is the Pricing for SaaS?

The pricing of SaaS is divided into different categories. Below are the different types of pricing:

• Free or ad-based: This includes applications which are free for use, but the SaaS provider earns revenue through advertisements displayed during the use of the application. To avoid the advertisement the user has to pay an extra amount.
• Flat rate: The individual will have to pay on a monthly or annual basis and the provider will provide user access to the complete application/software for that period.
• Per user: The pricing depends on how many people will be accessing the application or software as there are fixed rates per user.
• Per user tiers: The price completely depends on the number of active users included in a subscription.
• Storage tiers:  The user may be able to access the application/software for free but will have to pay for extra storage.
• Pay usage-based: The billing is done on the basis of usage done by each person
• Feature-based: The pricing will be based on per feature the user wants to access. For every additional feature users will have to pay extra.
• Freemium: Provider provides free access for new users but after a specific time period they will be restricted from using some features and to access them users have to take a subscription.

Difference Between IAAS, PAAS and SAAS 

There lies a core difference between IAAS, PAAS, and SAAS depending on the use and services offered by them. The basic differences between these are highlighted in the tabular format below: 

What are the Various Examples of SaaS?

Below mentioned are examples of SaaS:

•  Google Workspace
•  Google Docs
•  Salesforce
• Microsoft 365
• Dropbox
•  Netflix
• Zoom

Written By

Deepit Mathur