The SaaS boom changed the market forever. This model is popular and in demand all over the world. Most likely, you have come across SaaS at least once, perhaps without even thinking about it. For example, Google Docs is also SaaS. In this article, you'll learn more about cloud delivery models and the key aspects of SaaS startup development.
What is SaaS?
SaaS (software as a service) is a subscription model for licensing software. The user accesses the service through a browser or API. At the same time, the service provider is fully responsible for its support. Simply put, the SaaS model is when the client works with a ready-made solution online. Pays for access and gets the finished instrument as quickly as possible.
Another SaaS example is Google Docs. Create a Google account, follow the link and work with texts, tables and presentations right in your browser. Moreover, other colleagues can work in documents at the same time as you. Having left on a business trip, you can log into your account from any device and continue printing the desired document. In this case, you only need to save changes to the settings, the rest of the data is saved automatically.
Features of the SaaS Model
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Work via the web interface
The software is hosted on cloud storage, providing remote access to the end user through a browser. In this case, the service provider may provide the user with the opportunity to install software on their server. -
Subscription Model
Payment schemes for SaaS are quite diverse. Let's take a look at the most popular first. In this case, the user does not purchase an expensive software license in its entirety and does not pay a significant development cost, as when ordering an individual solution. The user rents the service, paying an analogue of the monthly fee for access to the functionality for a month or longer. Another scheme is free access with limited features, while you have to pay for the full set of features. -
Service provider responsible for support
The main advantage of SaaS is that this model allows you to focus on work without being distracted by software-related tasks. The service provider is fully responsible for the functionality and updates of the software. Thus, the user is freed from the need to manually configure the software and fix bugs.
Benefits of SaaS
- In the standard model, the buyer-supplier relationship most often ends immediately after the purchase of the software. The only exceptions are the "giants" of the level of Windows and Adobe. When it comes to SaaS, the user can contact the provider for support at any time. Regular updates are available to all customers of the service.
- For a large company, this is a savings on software development, since software does not need to be purchased and installed separately on each computer so that several users can work on it.
- Some services simply cannot be implemented on the company's own server. For example, products similar to Serpstat or Ahrefs. They cannot exist as traditional software, but only as SaaS.
On the other hand, for a SaaS owner, this model is a source of regular income and potential for growth. Users pay for the service not once, but constantly, and this allows you to develop a long-term development strategy. Therefore, SaaS is a great model for a startup.
Why SaaS is a Great Startup Idea
Cross-platform
You do not need to develop several products for different platforms: the application will work on PCs, tablets and smartphones. Users can access the service from any device.No physical media needed
There is no need to spend money on supporting software with hardware, because there is no need to install, configure and run the application on physical media.No piracy
SaaS applications are almost impossible to steal. The final product does not fall into the hands of the user in finished form, but is in the cloud. The user either pays to use the service or simply does not get access.Real-time updates
Users of SaaS applications always receive the latest version of the product. The cloud service provider is responsible for the updates, the user does not need to do anything. If there are any problems after the update, the supplier will be able to quickly respond and fix everything.
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