Cloud computing is the big hype these days, but what is it and what does it mean to you? Why SaaS?
By definition, cloud computing is the ability to access and interact with data on any platform with an internet connection. There are several subsets of cloud computing, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS, specifically, is a software distribution model where an application is hosted by a service provider (such as SIS) and made available to customers via the internet. SIS’ Partner XE Agency Management System is based on a Software as a Service model.
The benefits of SaaS are many, and influence both your ease AND cost of doing business.
It’s Simple:
- Accessible: You can access your data anywhere, at any time so long as you have an internet connection and up-to-date computers.
- Always up-to-date: With SaaS, software upgrades and system patches are automated.
- Scalable: When your software is hosted using a SaaS model, you can add or remove users quickly and easily, with no new infrastructure required.
- Easily administrated: With SaaS you can remove your IT hat and free up time for growing your business. All maintenance and updates are handled by your provider.
It’s Secure:
- No lost data: Cloud computing and Software as a Service models provide redundant backups of your data, protecting you against computer failures, natural disasters and more.
- Protection from hackers: No data stored locally.
- Protection from on-site disasters: Should you have any disasters at your place of business, your critical business data is safe and secure.
- Protection from theft: You don’t have to worry about data being stolen from your servers or laptops.
It’s Cost Effective:
- Consistent, budgeted payments: With a Software as a Service model, you can budget your fixed costs and not have to worry about spikes in maintenance costs, purchasing upgrades or increased personnel needs. SaaS allows you to proactively secure your costs of doing business and budget rather than have to react in a knee jerk fashion to whatever issues occur.
- With scale comes efficiencies: One provider can support 5000 users at a fraction of the cost it would be for those same to support themselves.
