On the Path to Being Routine: Software as a Service

No discussion is needed to establish the fact that software will always be an integral part of a business. The steps leading up to the implementation of software have become a nature of habit, from ensuring compatibility of the hardware to securing the appropriate number of licenses to correspond with the number of devices. Not to be taken lightly either is the procedures that must be executed periodically in order to keep software updated and functional. As is the standard with technology, improvements and adjustments are being constantly made to create the optimal experience. In this context, the current iteration is referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS).

Different types of SaaS exist as a paid subscription over a set period of time; monthly or yearly for a various number of users. The software itself exists on a remote server provided by the vendor which grants certain advantages that weren’t available previously. It bypasses the need for software to be installed on their respective devices while also addressing the situation of expansion where new devices are introduced that will also utilize the same software. Maintaining and updating the software also falls within the ballpark of the vendor’s responsibilities. There are no stringent policies in place that inhibit the use of the software on specific devices or in specific places. Accessing the software simply requires a stable internet connection.

It’s common knowledge, however, that nothing is perfect. In the event that an outage occurs on the vendor’s side, an over reliance on SaaS may result in neglecting to back up data, leading to long periods of downtime. The quality of SaaS can be affected by a degrading internet connection or attempting to access it at long distances away from the remote server. Without proper security methods in place, an opening is presented to malicious users to access a company’s data freely.

On a somewhat lesser scale, some may be of the opinion that the use of SaaS concedes too much user control to a 3rd party for applications.

Technological businesses stand at the forefront of the industry as time and cost efficiency are important factors that contribute to the innovation in future technologies. Many organizations on a global scale have already adopted Software as a Service to expand on the prospect of work being effectively executed not just inside the workplace but outside as well.