How SaaS Development Works

HubSpot, Slack, G Suite, DropBox, Shopify, Microsoft Office 365, Amazon Web Services, DocuSign, and Salesforce are all examples of software many of us use on a daily basis. They’re also all examples of software as a service, more commonly known as SaaS.

Used for eCommerce, billing, project management, collaboration, customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and more, SaaS has gained enormous popularity thanks to its many advantages and features. Individuals and businesses alike appreciate the delivery model. So, how does it work? And what are its benefits?

What Is SaaS?

SaaS is usually subscription-based. Users access the online-based software via a browser or application and don’t need to install or configure it. This makes the products user-friendly, convenient, and highly accessible. Anyone who has an internet connection can access it from anywhere with wifi or data via a multitude of devices, including a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.

In order to keep the software up-to-date, developers continuously offer improvements delivered to the user automatically. The software is hosted by the provider, and customers can use it for as long as their subscription lasts, usually with the opportunity to renew.

Benefits

SaaS brings plenty of benefits to consumers. Some of the key advantages of this delivery model include:

Simplicity
From a customer’s perspective, SaaS is perhaps the most uncomplicated software delivery model possible. They don’t need to worry about figuring out how to install or update it — they simply receive the product in a form they can implement and use immediately. Often, this translates to greater efficiency and less money spent.
Security
When you use software from a trusted provider like BairesDev, you can be sure your data is safe. In fact, generally speaking, security is a top feature of SaaS — both for users and providers. Many SaaS companies not only use cloud storage, which is considered a safe way of protecting information, but many also encrypt your data to further ensure security.
Convenience
Installation of bug and defect fixes can be a hassle. This is true for businesses and individuals alike — but it’s especially true for a huge company that may require hundreds of updates at a given time. SaaS offers convenience, saving you an enormous amount of time through the automatic delivery of services and updates. These updates also come frequently, ensuring the optimal functioning of your product.

You’ll also receive support within the product itself. For example, there will probably be a help section with commonly-asked questions and fixes for frequent problems. Some may have chatbots to help you solve issues as well.
Cost-Effectiveness
SaaS is typically very cost-effective. Users can pay for the service as needed and avoid having to pay additional installation, upgrades, and maintenance fees. When they no longer need the software, they can simply stop their subscription. They also won’t need to pay IT specialists to install the technology for them — for the most part, it’s as simple as a one-time download or even just logging in through a browser or application.
Scalability
Do you need your product upgraded? Do you need fewer services than you initially expected? With SaaS, scalability is possible both ways. You can change your subscription as your requirements change — the model offers flexibility as your business evolves. You’ll only need to pay for the services you actually use, depending on what your subscription entails, which gives you more wiggle room.

Outsourcing SaaS Development

SaaS is an extremely lucrative sector and in high demand. However, many organizations that specialize in development don’t have the capacity to take on the plethora of projects that crop up for them. That’s why some software development organizations and other businesses choose to outsource SaaS development. What are the advantages of outsourcing?

You’ll Meet Requirements
From the beginning, you’ll outline the requirements you want your product to have, and the outsourcing partner will ensure they meet them, keeping you apprised of the status of your project at all times. Some requirements, such as security, are a given. Others will be tailored to your specialization and needs as a company.

Outsourcing providers will also adjust the product to meet your needs should they change at a given time and offer built-in flexibility to accommodate different user loads, upgrades, and more.
You’ll Sidestep Common Pitfalls
SaaS development can take a lot of time and resources, which many businesses simply can’t accommodate. Given that your organization likely has plenty of other demands, outsourcing your SaaS project to a dedicated team will help you sidestep common pitfalls, including a lack of time, minimal resources, and a shortage of specialized skills and employees.
You Can Save Money
SaaS development is costly. When you use an outside team, you’ll save on full-time salaries and benefits, as well as avoid having to invest in special equipment that you may not need to use again. The outsourcing SaaS company will have their own resources and infrastructure, as well as fund the training of their employees, meaning you don’t have to.
You’ll Be Able to Customize
Customization is a critical feature of SaaS products. In order to deliver a successful piece of software, you’ll need to understand your target audience and what your users will look for in it.

Because outsourcing companies employ experts — BairesDev, for example, hires only the top 1% of talent — they are well-suited to help you understand what consumers want and how they’ll use your product. They can also incorporate these important, customized features to help you build the software that you and your consumers really want.

SaaS development has made an enormous impact on the world of software and how businesses operate. There are many advantages to the model, including simplicity, convenience, security, and many others.

While there are many reliable models on the market today, if you’re looking to implement a more customized solution or create a new product, outsourcing is often the answer, offering benefits like convenience and expertise at a fraction of the cost of an in-house team.