Forget Open Source vs Closed Source - focus on SaaS

Forget
open source
vs
closed source –
focus on SaaS

Commercial in Confidence | 1 October, 2015SaaS – The new frontier for applications
Introduction
Background to the industry

The open source versus closed source argument has been raging
across the interwebs for the last ten years.
Proponents of open source talk about the infinite capabilities of worldwide
development, while advocates for closed source expound that their code bases are
secure, and thus less vulnerable to hacks.
But we’ve moved on from this debate, its nuances and preferences and users’
biases – what we should be focusing on is SaaS.

What is SaaS?
And how can it help your business?

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a subscription-based method of
providing applications.
Products like Salesforce and MailChimp are SaaS applications that have
transformed their markets – you can access your data via any browser.
Rather than downloading a product, installing it on your computer, and having to
manage it yourself, you visits the SaaS site via a browser, enters their login details,
and accesses the application.

7 benefits of SaaS
What SaaS does differently to your current systems

Lower costs
Pay as you go subscriptions

Most SaaS applications are available on a subscription basis.
This means that your business doesn’t have to spend a huge amount upfront to get your
service running.
And as the business grows, you can simply adjust your monthly subscription to
accommodate more users, rather than having to invest in further server capacity or
software licenses.
Installation, integration and maintenance are all handled by the provider, enabling you
to reduce on-premise hardware costs, software costs, and IT expertise which often
requires on-staff resourcing.

Ongoing support and no lock in
Find the support your business needs

A SaaS platform usually comes with free ongoing support and no
contracts.
A SaaS provider will partner with you and support you in the use of their system –
it’s in their best interests that you’re happy with the product too!
A traditional software model requires the customer to pay a license fee upfront,
and support can be inconsistent, as the business has already made the sale.
SaaS providers generally charge on a monthly basis with no contracts, meaning
that there is no lock-in. Their growth is based on ease of use, engagement with
clients and ongoing support.

Ease of use
Quick and painless deployment

A SaaS application is already installed as a complete system from
the time a customer logs in
Essentially, it’s always ready to use and up to date.
On-premise applications can take years to install and customize, often at great
cost. With SaaS, elements simply need to be turned on by the provider in order for
the benefits to be delivered.
Many SaaS applications also neatly integrate with third party systems, meaning
product catalogues and client lists can be imported and used without separate
instances of data entry.

Product developments and upgrades
Focus on delivering business value, not technical support

Never have to worry about outdated technology again.
SaaS platforms deliver continuous improvement and enhancements.
Often, innovations within SaaS applications are led by its users, and then developed
with the broader customer base in mind.
Following vigorous testing, the updates are deployed en masse by the provider,
allowing every customer to reap the benefits of the development.

Anytime, anywhere
Simple engagement through a unified platform

“Installing a system” will become a thing of the past
When you need to download software or install hardware on-site, work always has
to be done “at work”.
One of the major benefits of a SaaS application is that a customer can access their
data from anywhere, and on any device.
If they’re out on the road selling, have flexible working arrangements, or travelling
for business, staff are still able to work just as they would in the office.

True multi-tenant architecture
Designed to deliver performance and scale

Multi-tenant architecture means the infrastructure can scale
right up or down to meet a business’s needs.
The infrastructure houses many servers that can be used based on the customer’s
need – a smaller business may only need a small portion of one server’s capacity,
but if they have a huge sale, or a special release, their usage needs will increase,
and they may need a whole server, or multiple servers, to meet the demand.
With regards to multi-tenancy, think of servers as hotels. If one hotel is booked up
(e.g. receiving a lot of traffic), another hotel (server) will take the overflow until
conditions change.

High security
Protecting your applications from access to data and malicious activities

Protect your critical web applications and data
SaaS providers are always looking for ways to better protect their systems. As an
example, Web Application Firewalls (WAF) are used to analyze all user access to
your business-critical web applications and protect your applications and data from
cyber attacks.
Security including upgrades, patches, and data center hosting is controlled by the
provider, who has robust SLAs with their own suppliers; experts working on their
application’s security every day; and data recovery for peace of mind.

Become a market leader
Focus on what you do best

SaaS means more time on the things you know and love
Outsourcing the hardware, installation, management, security and support for your
applications allows you to save time and money for your business. And the
constant innovation of SaaS means your system is running the best available
technology.
With SaaS, you can apply your resources to the elements that are going to mean
the most to your bottom line, safe in the knowledge that your data is secure, and
constantly being managed and monitored by a dedicated team of experts.

Forget Open Source vs Closed Source - focus on SaaS

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