The technology for cloud computing has been around for several decades, but widespread access began less than two decades ago. The term “cloud computing” brought awareness to internet hosting in 2006. In essence, cloud computing gives users remote access to computer system resources without the need for user resource management. Companies are progressively implementing more cloud solutions as they become cognizant of their benefits.
Software as a service (SaaS) is one of the main categories of cloud computing and it permits end-users to utilize powerful software at an affordable price. The information below highlights why companies should utilize SaaS solutions.
1. Regular Updates
The latest versions of SaaS applications are accessible to all users the moment they are released. Significant updates that include enhanced functionality and advanced features are made available regularly. During the course of a year, traditional software usually has fewer substantial updates and newer versions may require separate purchase.
2. Cost-Effective
Significantly lower up-front cost
SaaS makes expensive apps affordable to businesses because it is subscription based. Unlike traditional software, businesses can change their subscriptions, add new users, or cancel service as their business needs change. These options accommodate scaling, allowing businesses to make necessary changes with ease.
No on-premise IT infrastructure to maintain
Businesses are not required to purchase and maintain a data center and other expensive hardware. On-premise solutions require specialized support staff for constant maintenance which can be very costly. Hardware power consumption, cooling overheated hardware, and other maintenance factors that contribute to higher costs are non-existent in cloud solutions. On-premise equipment and staff often cost companies millions of dollars.
3. Reliable
Most cloud providers are dependable and ensure their services are running most of the time. All data is stored in one centralized easily accessible location. As a result, you can maintain data consistency to avoid human error and have a comprehensive view of changes, revisions, and updates. Downtime in your business leads to a host of issues including revenue loss, lost productivity, and a tarnished brand reputation. Having control of your data helps reduce business downtime. Disasters are inevitable and may lead to data loss. Automatic backups are not usually available for traditional software; however, they are a standard feature in many cloud applications. Cloud solutions render fast data recovery for a wide range of occasions including power outages and natural disasters.
4. Time Efficient
An often-overlooked challenge is the time required for setting up and implementing on-premise data storage. It can take months of preparation for on-promise server integration. Because IT departments maintenance responsibilities are minimized, significant time is saved. Instead, the vendor is responsible for maintenance and upgrades. Additionally, SaaS applications often include automatic software updates. Most installations only require an internet connection and a simple user account. Traditional software can take weeks or months to install whereas cloud deployments are immediate.
5. Enhanced Collaboration
Collaborating on cloud applications is enhanced by granting users the ability to meet in a virtual environment to share and modify information via shared storage. SaaS solutions allow users to work from anywhere.
6. Flexible
Some SaaS providers can make customizations to their apps depending on client needs. Businesses can often select which features best serve their company and exclude the rest. Not including unnecessary features may reduce user learning curve.
7. Mobile Access
The ability to access corporate data on mobile devices via tablets, smartphones, and other mobile equipment empowers your team to stay connected. This may also reduce the need for specialized equipment.
Have questions? Ventureforth specializes in mobile cloud applications and our team is here to help. To speak with an expert about how our cloud solutions can benefit your business fill out the short form below.
