What is Software as a Service (SaaS)? – Simplified

We hear it here and there. We hear the word “SaaS” get tossed around like a new cool phrase or something. What does SaaS stand for and what exactly does it mean? It stands for Software as a Service, and it is pronounced “sæs” or “sass” as in sassy. But what exactly is software as a service?

What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a service is a way of delivering a cloud hosted application on the internet to users.

The target audience or consumer of SaaS are businesses and companies. Although regular people may access and use SaaS application, businesses are the primary customers of a software as a service company.

Software as a service is a web based software and must be accessed with a web browser and an internet connection.

Credits: PhotoMIX Ltd.

How Does Software as a Service (SaaS) Work?

When a business signs up for an account on a software as a service platform, they automatically get access to the software. Because SaaS programs are web based and not downloadable, you won’t have to worry about downloading a large program to your computer. Plus, you (business) and your team can use the software from any where, on any device, because it is web based.

In simplified terms, SaaS is pretty much a website that offers a “traditional/old software that you would have to download” in a web browser based form. This eliminates the need for downloading, installing, and updating. Everything is online and can be easily accessed for your entire business.

Five Reasons You Should Be Using SaaS

Are you contemplating about using a software as a service for your business? Here are 5 reasons why you should.

1. Lower Costs

Forget about the high overhead costs. Using a software as a service can help you get your business on its feet and running, fast. Plus, most SaaS are freemium’s which means there are both free and premium/paid services.

2. Cross-platform and Cross-browser

What does cross-platform and cross-browser mean? Whether you’re using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, or Opera, you are covered!

This also means that it doesn’t matter if you’re using Windows 10, 8, 7, Mac OS X Lion, Sierra, Mojave, Android, or iOS, because you’re covered as well!

That’s the beauty of software as a service (SaaS). You can use it on any operating system and any browser.

3. Efficient Management

Most SaaS provides an easy way to manage appointments, team members, staff, employees, etc. By using a SaaS, you can efficiently manage services your business provides.

For example, if you are in need of an online appointment scheduling software, a SaaS will be able to manage your appointments from your customers.

4. Seamless Updates and Upgrades

You don’t and won’t have to worry about security updates and upgrades. Software as a service provides all the updates and upgrades, and you’ll get them instantly, whenever they are available.

You also get new features, services, and tools, right when they are available!

The best part of instant upgrades is using a program that is up to date, and the peace of mind you and your business can have.

5. Worry-free, Fast, and Secure

Just like the previous (4th) point, you can focus on your business without having worry about a hefty program. SaaS eliminates the need for downloading programs, making sure they are compatible with your operating system or computer, the headache of making sure your employees and team members have the same programs, and a lot more!

All you need is a decent device, (computer, tablet, or mobile phone), with a decent internet connection speed.

 

We suggest you find a SaaS you love and to continue using it, because it’s not going any where any time soon! SaaS is the new way of softwares and services.

Set a Time: Set a Time Editor is the official blog article poster on the Set a Time blog.