Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) - meaning delivering software as a service over the web - is increasingly popular for its ability to simplify deployment and reduce customer acquisition costs; it also allows developers to support many customers with a single version of a product. SaaS is also often associated with a "pay as you go" subscription licensing model. It has some demerits too. Customer cannot customize the software as per his requirement. They have to run business process as per the software service.
SaaS comprises a wide spectrum of software services. Sometimes these software services provide stand-alone application functionality, and sometimes they are used as building blocks for more complex services. They can either provide core infrastructural capabilities, application functionality, or enhancements to existing functionality on servers and clients. Microsoft provides a range of services that can be leveraged to build your Software-as-a-Service solutions.
Core Services offered by Microsoft
Windows Live and Microsoft AdCenter
End-User Services offered by Microsoft
Windows Live OneCare, Digital Locker, Xbox Live, and Media Center
Business Services offered by Microsoft
Microsoft Office Live Small Business, Hosted Exchange and Exchange Hosted Services, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live, and Hosted CRM/Dynamics
With SaaS an entire finished software application can be available on-demand from some SaaS service provider. The application exists in the cloud and can be consumed from any browser. Therefore, the customer of a SaaS service provider is the end user. SaaS service provider is not only offering an entire application to the end user but that the SaaS service provider is also responsible for providing the compute power, storage, and networking infrastructure necessary to run the application. The software application may be implemented in such a way that it directly consumes resources without the need for third party infrastructure services or platform services. As a matter of fact, most of the popular SaaS offerings today are built in this fashion.
Benefits of SaaS Technology for Small Business
1. There is no need to install software. This is because the software comes to you through your internet browser. Your printer also works with the software without any installation or doing modifications.
2. The main benefit of SaaS is that the software is always up to date. The provider makes all the software updates on servers, so you don't have to do anything.
3. You will never have to pay for software updates any more. No matter if SaaS provider update or bug-fix, you will never have to pay for them as it is all part of the service.
4. It is fully compatible with any operating system (OS) such as Linux, Mac, Windows and others - you login and use it.
5. This technology allows you to work with your colleagues, accountant, virtual assistants and others in real-time.
There are many more benefits of using this technology. It helps you to concentrate on your business and makes your business more mobile and competitive while saving you time and money.
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