Wikipedia describes SaaS or Software as a service as the following “Software as a service is a software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted. SaaS is also known as “on-demand software” and Web-based/Web-hosted software.”
In the current day, when any business wants to buy software, the chances are they’re looking for SaaS or software as a service. Think 10+ years ago of any software, e-mail or Microsoft Word – traditionally, it was installed on the PC itself. However, in today’s world, it is an app that’s accessed via the internet, and that’s so much better! It’s extremely rare if a software provider doesn’t offer a SaaS platform. Why? Because it allows companies to get up and running quickly and with little cost.
No matter what industry you or your client are in, you can gain a competitive advantage with SaaS software that’s tailored to your business. This guide will cover the basics of a SaaS platform and the key features & benefits.
Hi, I’m a SaaS platform.
I’m a type of software that users access via the internet. I’m also called web-based or on-demand software; I’m different from traditional software because I’m not installed on your PC. Instead, open your web browser & log into me using secure credentials, sometimes. You can access me via an app, but you won’t be able to access the full features without an internet connection.
A popular example is Microsoft Office 365. Users purchase a subscription to access the apps, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
I come in all shapes and sizes and fit all areas of the business, including sales, eCommerce, marketing, and business development software. Platforms such as Salesforce and HubSpot were early adopters of SaaS and developed their platform in the Cloud.
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5-10 Years ago, software was purchased in a traditional method. You’d pay an upfront cost for software, and you received the features and benefits of the software at the time of purchase. Current pricing is based on a subscription or pay-as-you-go model.
There are two types of models:
· Subscription and Tiered Pricing
· Freemium Pricing
Subscription & Tiered Pricing
A SaaS subscription pays for access to the software and maintenance, updates, and security.
This pricing model comes with the following benefits for customers:
· Price: it’s more affordable than buying traditional software.
· Flexibility: Scale up and down quickly.
· Updates: As the software is stored centrally, you’ll receive the latest updates automatically.
Freemium Pricing
Many SaaS platforms come with a free trial or a free version to start; this means you can access the platform without cost. Then, as the business grows, they can start thinking about the upgraded options that fit your needs.
Why SaaS?
Software as a service is a massive win for the provider and the consumer, especially start-ups and small businesses.
For the consumer, the unique pricing model and the way it’s accessed offer numerous advantages:
· Eliminating initial costs
· Easy to Install
· Automatic upgrades
· Simplifying feature add-ons
· Allowing for scalability
For the provider:
· Easy to maintain & update
· Ongoing revenue
Candio SaaS Platform
Whether you’re a Telecoms, IT or Print company, Candio has a range of digital SaaS platforms ready for you to offer your customers to help them improve their digital presence.
Candio offers white-label software to build your brand and provide digital solutions.
Want to see a demo? We invite you to partner with Candio and start using our best in class SaaS products ready to help increase your monthly recurring revenue.
If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Candio partner, click here to arrange a meeting with our BDM, Tom Chedham.