SaaS Development

Have you ever used Google’s set of online applications? Unknowingly, you have using their version of Software as a Service or SaaS.

Google Docs allows you to prepare documents, spreadsheets, and even presentations in programs that work inside your web browser. This means all you need is a computer and an active internet connection and you can start working already.

Even before Google, there are already several software developers that use SaaS as a way to deliver applications to their clients. Other software giants have also announced web versions of their popular apps soon.

Why Is SaaS possible?
The maturity of the Internet has been one of the driving forces of SaaS. Current bandwidth means it is possible to run more complicated applications online without affecting its quality. It has also allowed people from different locations to collaborate in a much easier way. Then you have web platforms that enabled the development of programs that can run over browsers. Such platforms like Java and Ajax help gave birth to websites that provide a variety of tools for their users.

What Makes SaaS Work?

No installation
A major reason is that there is no need for installation. Just launch your web browser, point to a specific site and you will be able to run the programs. Gone are the days of having to purchase retail boxes of software or waiting for a download to finish. You will also save hard drive space since the application will reside on a central location. This means more room for the actual documents that you are working on.

Businesses also like the idea of zero installation because it will reduce their need for a massive IT department. At the very least only a small plug-in will be required for most online programs to run on a browser. Even if a new browser is needed, it will have zero costs at all.

No Need for Patches
Businesses often do not like the idea that the software they purchased has a major bug causing it to be vulnerable or even crash on certain machines. Before, the only way to fix this was to download a patch from the developer’s website. Here since the application is accessed on one location, problems can easily be identified and can even be rectified on the fly. Else, the fixes can be applied the next time users would access the program.

Remote Access

This is another benefit of applications stored in a central location. You can basically work on a file anywhere you are as long as the computer is connected to the Internet. This is also beneficial for businesses with several outfits across the country.

More Manageable Fees
For now individuals are enjoying the use of most online applications for free, and some companies have vowed to stay that way. Others are planning to use the subscription model so that you only pay for the times that you would need the product. There is no need to be tied with licensing that prevents you from using a program on a different computer as well.

This will also sound good for businesses since volume licensing has been the only way for them to use a program on multiple computers. Subscription fees are often cheaper than having to purchase software licenses directly. Besides, there is still a possibility that they will end up upgrading their software after a few years which would also entail costs. The SaaS model ensures that individuals and business have access to the latest versions of applications and the necessary support that they need.

Challenges for SaaS
For now it is also the limitations of the Internet and the web platforms that will determine the major impact of SaaS. Current abilities of programs are very limited and bandwidth issues mean that it cannot work on larger files. Software developers may also have to spend for the maintenance of their servers that host these programs.

Then you also have the issue of security. Since you are working online, how safe are the documents you are working on? There are even applications that let you store files online, and it very essential that only the specified users can have access to certain data. IT personnel must also find a way to prevent unauthorized users from using the applications.