Software as a service (SaaS) has long been considered unreliable, uncompliant and insecure. However, more and more companies are adopting this solution today. The reasons they give? Safer. More compliant than the company's internal infrastructures... A real turnaround!
How to explain this growing enthusiasm for SaaS solutions?
What is SaaS?
Software as a service (SaaS) or “software as a service” is a solution that allows users to connect to cloud applications and use them over the Internet. SaaS offers a complete software solution for which the company pays according to its use. All the underlying structure, middleware and software resides in the vendor's data center. The latter manages all the “physical” infrastructure and also ensures the availability and security of the data and the chosen application.
Finally, the SaaS solution brings together:
- hosted applications
- database management and marketing analysis development tools
- operating systems
- storage servers
- security (network firewall)
- the physical infrastructure (the building or physical data center facility).
What are the benefits of SaaS solutions?
Software as a service (SaaS) has many features and benefits. SaaS offers increased efficiency, cost savings, remote access to services, significant scalability and enhanced security.
Implemented easily and faster than an internal IT system, SaaS allows companies without the necessary resources to access sophisticated applications such as an ERP or CRM without even buying or installing them.
SaaS solutions are also easy for users to access and available from any Internet-connected platform and devices. Data is securely stored in the cloud and can be accessed by users anytime, anywhere. There is therefore no risk of data loss in the event of a problem or theft of the PC.
From an economic point of view, SaaS represents a real boon since the company only pays for the resources it uses and can at any time develop its offer and extend its needs. In addition, there is no need to purchase other specific software because SaaS applications, available from a web browser, can be used simultaneously by several users on various devices.
Best practices for switching to SaaS.
Let’s take the concrete example of a company that hosts its email internally and would like to switch to a SaaS solution. To facilitate this choice, it is necessary to ask key questions about the activity and economic resources of your company.
BUSINESS: Does my company's activity require hosting its own messaging service?
AVAILABILITY: Am I able to guarantee availability above 99.9% to my employees?
SECURITY: Does my company have the means to sufficiently secure its messaging service?
FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Does it have enough budget to invest in hardware and software of its own? Investment that will have to be renewed when these become obsolete.
Take the example of Google Workspace:
It is an integrated and simple to use workspace. It makes it easier to work by reducing management times. All the tools (including messaging) needed to be productive are grouped together in a single solution in SaaS mode. In addition, Google Workspace guarantees 99.97% uptime to its users.
To keep Workspace secure, Google employs a full-time team of more than 600 privacy and security professionals, including some of the world's top information, application, and network security experts.
Here, there is no need to invest in hardware and software. The solution is available as a subscription and allows you to work from anywhere and on any device, even offline, with tools that meet the unique needs of your team.
