SaaS Based Technology– Its Pros and Cons

We all know, SaaS (software as a service) is a cloud service wherein software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted. This means that the services offered are virtual, and they are licensed for a fixed period of time based on a common platform. The service provider allows a user to access software applications on the internet that can be used on any device that has access to the web. It is highly used by businessmen for creating an application for their company that can help them manage accounting and invoicing, track sales, monitor performance, and planning to name a few.

Buying a software for costs a significant amount to any enterprise, but buying a subscription for it is a much better option. What makes it even better is that all the information or files of the user are saved on the cloud, that is, the software’s memory. Traditionally, a user would buy the entire software which was quite heavy on his pocket. This would limit the number of users and devices as per the license. SaaS does not require its users to do so. They can buy a subscription as per their requirement and also pay on a monthly or annual basis. They can just have to create an account on the cloud service and log in and log out as per their requirement. For example, you can log in to your twitter or facebook account and have all your details and information in it and that will not occupy your computer’s memory.

Here are some of the advantages of using this cloud service:

1. Hardware: No additional cost– The hardware you use for the application is already available so you do not need to invest in it. Besides, the power required by the applications is supplied by the cloud provider.

2. Can be accessed anywhere– SaaS does not have any limitation when it comes to accessibility. All it requires is internet connection. If that is available, you can access the application anywhere and on any device.

3. Automated updates– Whenever there is an update required or is available, it is deployed to the existing users, usually free of cost.

4. Usage is expandable– The users can specify if they need more storage and services, and they need to pay only for the services they use. Besides, they do not require additional hardware or software to install it.

5. Payment as per usage– Pay only for the services you opt for and use, the subscription can be halted or stopped whenever you wish to.

6. Setup cost=0– The application is ready-to-use as and when it is subscribed.

7. Customizable applications– Applications can be customized as per the user’s requirement.

8. Resilience– The CSP’s data centre stores all the information inputted into the software. So if you happen to lose all the information due to a disaster, a backup is always present.

Every coin has two sides to it, so is the case with this software, along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages. The cons of SaaS technology are as follows:

1. Security– There are some security issues in this system. The sensitive information of any business organization needs to be kept with utmost care. If such information is to be entrusted to any third party service, identity and access management are some issues that are required to be addressed, in mobile devices specifically. Surveys have shown that the statistics of this is going down, but this con of SaaS model is still going on.

2. Compliance– Some enterprises are particular as to where they want to store their information. So, all those companies who need this in their SaaS model need to specify this requirement and make sure that it is done. With tokenization and encryption, it isn’t really an issue anymore.

3. Performance– Any such software which is hosted remotely by means of an internet connection may not prove to be a better option as compared to software running on a local machine. But yes, some tasks will be better suited for the SaaS model. Application performance management systems can keep a check on how their apps are running all this while.

4. Internet connection should be uninterrupted– A continuous and uninterrupted internet connection is required. This may hamper work because if there is no access to the net, then you may not be able to do your job properly.

For mobile applications, SaaS may turn out to be a better and more beneficial option. Since this service is extremely useful for businessmen, as they require apps that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, and on any device! If these cloud-based services are availed as mobile apps, they can make work easier and less dependable on a single fixed device such as a desktop computer. So, what do you prefer – SaaS based application or a native one? Let us hear your idea. Get in touch with us here.