In today?s world, we all want to get our jobs done in a simplified, easy and inexpensive way. Is that a possibility with respect to using software? Traditionally, we have to buy expensive hardware, find place for installing them, have annual contracts to maintain them, buy application software, install them, pay for maintenance of the software and so on. We also need huge uninterrupted power supplies and generators to keep the servers running continuously. These are a lot of hassles that one has to undergo while using a software.
Can we make our life simpler? The answer is yes, we can make life simpler by using software as a service (SaaS). It is all installed in the cloud and the user gets to use them by paying for the time it is used. Internet has greatly made this possible.
Many companies that buy software to handle crucial processes such as accounting, human resources and customer service find that their software does not work the way they want. The software may even be initially customised at great expense. However, neither the business nor the vendor can tell how it will fit in the months and years to come.
Sure, the vendor can tweak the software?for a fee, every time. Eventually the vendor?s attentiveness and responsiveness will wane. So the company struggles with software that can?t adapt to evolving demands.
Reality check: Business is a moving target. It needs change. Good tools are solutions, never obstacles. That?s why SaaS is making more and more sense. Enterprise software used to only run on dedicated computers. Those behemoth programmes didn?t talk to each other and they weren?t designed for change. Such constraints are, in part, why old-school enterprise software vendors adopted such a rigid approach to doing business.
Meanwhile, on the internet, technology is more creative, collaborative and versatile than was ever possible within a closed corporate IT silo. Today?s programmes not only exchange information easily; they depend on sharing and thrive on collaboration. These programmes are constantly evolving and improving. Even better, their shared nature offers greater economies of scale, bringing down the price. And since it all runs over the internet, individual end users have considerable freedom to use SaaS programmes where and when they want, on devices they prefer. Many organisations are promoting the concept of mobility which means one can work from anywhere. SaaS will greatly enable this concept thus bringing in much needed work life balance. They can even customise interfaces and reporting.
Security has vastly increased. Many of us transact on our bank accounts through the internet. Also, we use ATMs to transact on our bank accounts. The improvement on security is so elaborate and tight, that we need not worry about our data being leaked or pilfered.
Best of all, companies can try out SaaS offerings thoroughly at limited cost. You can be certain that the software you?ll use will fit, feel good, and keep pace with changing needs. SaaS vendors will never say ?no exchanges, no returns?. Their business depends not just on getting you to buy, but keeping you satisfied. It?s great to finally have technology options that support more human, less stressful ways to get business done.
There is no limit to the kind of software that you can run on SaaS. ERP applications, email applications, social networking applications, project management software, software engineering tools, you name it and it can be designed and developed to run on SaaS delivery platform.
All segments of industry can benefit from SaaS. The SMB market which is normally not in a position to spend a lot of money can immediately grab this to achieve quick results. But SaaS can improve ROI for all sectors, including small, medium and big. Plus every one wants a simplified way of doing things.
The writer is managing director, Serena Software (India)