SaaS Development

Have you ever used Google Docs or Photoshop Express? If you have, then you must have enjoyed the ability to work with documents and images without having to install anything to a computer. At the same time, you can share what you have made with other people without having to use flash drives since all files are saved on a central server. These online programs are a part of a growing movement to free tools from the computer and instead be delivered through the Internet. This model is called software as a Service or just SAAS.

This development can give benefits to normal users and businesses that, making SAAS just as important as the personal computer and the Internet itself. The fact that big software companies like Google and Microsoft is creating their own web-based programs means that SAAS will become the standard in the future.

How Things Work Before

In the past, to use a program one must purchase it a computer specialty store or have it delivered. These programs would come in packages that would include installers and some manuals. Small businesses that have several computers would need to order and install one for each machine. This is because software licenses do not allow a program to be installed on multiple systems. Larger companies, because of their sheer size, would not be able to implement such a model, or it would be too costly. Hence volume licensing was introduced. With volume licensing, big companies strike a deal with software developers to have a few installer discs deployed to their IT staff. The companies then will only need a common license.

The coming of the Internet allowed several changes in how the software is delivered, though. For a time, it was used to simply download patches and provide updates to programs. When connection speed became faster, it became possible for entire programs to be directly downloaded to the user’s PC. Usually, this entails a small program to be installed first, which would then take care of the installation. This model is still popular today and is used by many applications from drivers, web browsers, to office productivity tools. Even operating systems can be downloaded online, though it would have to be burned to a disc before it can be installed to a PC. The licensing process was still the same, though there are a lot of programs now that can be installed on multiple systems with no problem.

It is the advent of large networks and the Internet that would make SAAS possible. Web development platforms like Ajax and Java allowed the creation of programs that can run simply on web browsers. The first few programs were very simple, but it became a proof of concept of the opportunity it allowed. Websites stopped becoming static and allowed users to do more. Today normal users and businesses are able to use common applications just by being online instead of having to launch a program natively on their computers. Software developers are slowly adopting SAAS because it gives them the flexibility to manage applications and deploy new tools easily.

How SAAS Benefits Industries

SAAS can deliver tools to a variety of industries. It is normal to see web-based tools used in airline reservations, customer service, accounting, and technical support. Companies would not even know the difference between programs delivered through SAAS and those in traditional manner. The requirements will still be the same or even lower, with connection to the Internet a must. But because it is managed in a central location, it is possible to access programs in any online computer. Patches are not needed anymore because updates can be applied by the next time the program is opened. Pricing models also differ and are generally lower than current licensing costs.

It is also possible that home computing will experience more of the SAAS model. Photoshop Express and similar products will gain ground because they are currently free. However, it is possible that local users will be willing to accept a subscription service or a one-time fee, with the programs accessed through the web browser. Google Docs and ZOHO tools work in any browser and offer functionalities that even rival standard applications. There is even a plan by Microsoft to release an online version of their popular Office software. It is gaining acceptance to users because there is no need to take up space in the computer itself.

Surely, with all these developments, one thing is for certain: SAAS is definitely here to stay.

Information technology has been an integral part of the success of any business. The first major contributor was the birth of the personal computer. With it, companies all over the world were able to automate many tasks that would have taken days and huge personnel to accomplish. The things the first computer were able to do were simple, yet it was such an advanced step from journals, ledgers, and typewriters that it ensured its place in the office.

The abilities of the PC grew as it became more mature, and new software companies were able to cater to specific needs of certain businesses. Then the Internet blew into everybody’s consciousness, and with it, businesses scrambled out for ways to exploit its uses. The maturity of the Internet in these past years has also caused an evolution as to how businesses get specifics programs for their own productivity. This growing trend is called software as a service or simply SAAS. This development is becoming more significant that software giants are taking notice.

In the past, regular folks would purchase the software that they needed from computer shops or through the mail. The applications came in boxes with an installation disc and some instructional materials. The program must be installed in the PC before it can be used and can only be used on that PC only.

Small businesses would take the same route while large companies would only need a few installers to load software in multiple systems. This was through volume licensing since a single license will accommodate more than one computer. This system is still enjoying attention today, but a lot of companies needed more flexibility in the programs that they were getting.

This allowed software houses to create custom-made programs depending on the requirements of their clients or companies. Companies would still enter into volume licensing depending on how many terminals the custom application will be used.

The Role of Internet in the Development of SAAS

The Internet greatly influenced the events that would lead to the creation of SAAS. First, the Internet was used to allow certain applications to update themselves. There was an attempt to try a similar form of SAAS in the late nineties, but it did not take off due the need for faster networks that were not available that time.

When the bandwidth started to become large enough, the Internet was then used for delivery of the applications. Software developers usually achieve this by downloading a tool that would facilitate the installation of the program. Even popular software was also available for download. At the same time, the popularity of web platforms such as Java, Ajax, and PHP allowed software companies to offer small programs that can be run over the Internet through the web browser.

Why Its Fan Base Is Growing

Today software as a service is gaining acceptance because it allows users and companies to get the benefits of a full-blown application and the necessary support but without the large initial investment or the need for dedicated IT personnel. This is because most SAAS applications are operated from a central location and delivered through the Internet. There is no need for the program to be installed in each PC since it can run through the normal browsers. Even if there is a need to install something in the PC, the space needed would be miniscule compared to what traditional software would usually take up. 

The flexibility of web platforms also makes it customizable for the needs of a specific company. The need for patches can also be done away with because changes can be made on the fly and applied the next time the program is used.

Another reason why SAAS is becoming more and more popular is because of its alternative pricing structure. Applications deployed through SAAS are often priced for every user but are generally lower than the usual licensing fee. At the same time, the user can move from work computer to his home PC and still use the same program at no added cost.

This platform is not just gaining ground in large companies because there are already implementations that a normal user can have access to. Google has been developing applications that can be operated through the Internet such as Google Docs and Calendar. Both programs only need a browser and an Internet connection to run. Files are stored in a central server and be even shared, enabling collaboration. 

Even Microsoft has released an online version of its popular Office applications.  This further solidifies the role SAAS will play in the future of business and computing.

As the cost of hosting hardware and connectivity goes down and web-based services such as Google Docs, Zoho, or Picnick became more available, the idea of using the Web as an alternative to desktop productivity became more popular. These developments in the past couple of years have made doing everything online and storing nearly everything online made web-based services more popular, such that when SaaS first came into view, it became relatively easy to sell it both as an idea and as a practice that is necessity to business operations.

Still, much of businesses that have sizable IT departments prefer to do it “old skul” and create things in-house and going so far as hiring consultants to develop applications both on-shore and offshore. What gives?

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Innovation in software is a key driver toward the onset of modern technology. In the same manner, the upsurge of Web-based services and technologies are a pivotal factor. As such, Software as a service or SaaS has effected a change in software technology for companies and organizations of varied sizes. SaaS has opened up opportunities for otherwise traditional business solutions. 

SaaS has made both small-scale trade organizations and large corporations recognize that there are other options to approach the software and technology aspect of their businesses.  As it gains the nod of most mainstream opinions, SaaS is taking an upsurge.  Software analyst Jeff Kaplan has pointed out how SaaS is widely accepted by most users and getting good reviews from the likes of famed Information Technology business guru Nicholas Carr to software application peers at the Wall Street.

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