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The cost-saving benefits of SaaSRunning a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) comes with its share of challenges, and managing tight budgets is often at the top of the list. Fortunately, there's a tech solution that's helping SMBs save significant amounts of money while enhancing their operations: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). What is SaaS? In the past, users got software by buying […]

The post The cost-saving benefits of SaaS appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

The cost-saving benefits of SaaS

Running a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) comes with its share of challenges, and managing tight budgets is often at the top of the list. Fortunately, there's a tech solution that's helping SMBs save significant amounts of money while enhancing their operations: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

What is SaaS?

In the past, users got software by buying a physical CD or downloading it from the internet. They had to install the software on their devices, which needed to have sufficient storage space and processing power to run the software. Moreover, software licenses were often limited to one device, so users had to purchase additional licenses if they wanted to install the software on other devices.

In business environments, software distribution was made more efficient by using on-premises (on-prem) servers. These servers hosted software programs, which users could access via the company's intranet. Users' devices were primarily used for input and display, while the on-prem servers handled most of the processing. With this setup, many users could simultaneously use a single software license, thanks to affordable licensing packages.

Today, SaaS enables users to access software applications online, essentially "borrowing" computing power from a service provider. They can access the software wherever an internet connection is available, using any internet-connected device, such as a laptop or a smartphone. This means employees don’t have to be physically present in the office to access their work apps, enabling them to work from home or other remote locations.

How can my company save money with SaaS?

Traditional on-prem software requires businesses to purchase and maintain hardware, software licenses, and yearly support fees, which can be a significant expense. With SaaS, businesses can avoid these upfront costs and instead pay a monthly or annual subscription fee for all costs, including support. This can help businesses save money and simplify their IT operations.

Can SaaS adapt to my business's unique requirements?

SaaS providers are constantly adding new features based on user feedback. Moreover, businesses can integrate SaaS applications with other software to meet their specific needs. If a particular feature is missing, integration with another app can fill the gap.

Is my company’s data secure with SaaS?

Data security is a top concern for businesses considering SaaS. Will your data be secure, and who owns it? What if the SaaS vendor faces financial difficulties?

Rest assured, SaaS vendors invest heavily in cybersecurity, backup technology, and maintenance. Their reputation and client trust depend on it. They undergo rigorous security audits, especially if they handle sensitive data subject to regulations, such as HIPAA.

When you partner with a SaaS vendor, you enter into a service level agreement (SLA). An SLA outlines data ownership and the vendor's commitment to granting you access to your data, even in the event of financial difficulties or business failures.

If you're considering SaaS for your business, reach out to us today. We can help you determine if SaaS and which particular SaaS app meets your company’s needs.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post The cost-saving benefits of SaaS appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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The 3 primary cloud service models and how they differThe many benefits of cloud computing enable businesses to easily manage workloads, obtain valuable insights from massive amounts of data, and gain a competitive advantage. But with the many different types of cloud services available, cloud adoption can become overwhelming. To make it easy for you to determine which type of service can drive your […]

The post The 3 primary cloud service models and how they differ appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

The 3 primary cloud service models and how they differ

The many benefits of cloud computing enable businesses to easily manage workloads, obtain valuable insights from massive amounts of data, and gain a competitive advantage. But with the many different types of cloud services available, cloud adoption can become overwhelming. To make it easy for you to determine which type of service can drive your business to success, here are the three primary cloud service models and how they differ.

1. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

Unlike software that you install on your computer, SaaS solutions are apps that are hosted on a provider’s servers. Easily the largest and most well known cloud-based service, SaaS uses the cloud to process app functions for users. That is, when a user opens a mobile or web browser app, the device merely sends inputs to a data center. The data center then processes the inputs and sends its outputs back to the user's device.

Minimal to no processing is done on the user's device itself. And for as long as users have an internet connection, they can access the software from any device, at any time.

With SaaS, your provider is responsible for software maintenance and updates, which means all users will be using the same version of a particular software and get updates at the same time. As a business owner, this means that managing the software on all of your computers is not only easier but more affordable.

SaaS software solutions include office document creation suites, accounting software, email service, HR solutions, content management tools, customer relationship management systems, and more.

In a nutshell, SaaS is:

  • Available over the internet
  • Hosted on a remote server by a third-party provider
  • Scalable, with different tiers for small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses
  • Inclusive, offering security, compliance, and maintenance as part of the cost

2. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

PaaS is primarily used by developers who need a virtual environment for developing and testing their own custom software or apps. This means developers don’t need to build and maintain their own infrastructure — which is comprised of networking devices, storage, servers, an operating system, and other necessary hardware and software — when developing applications, saving the firm time and money.

Most companies that utilize PaaS do so to either host or develop their own software solutions, or provide support for software used by employees. But while PaaS is gaining popularity with many small businesses, most won’t have firsthand interactions with this type of cloud unless they need to build their own software or app.

In general, PaaS platforms are:

  • Accessible to multiple users
  • Scalable, as you can choose from various tiers of resources to suit the size of your business
  • Built on virtualization technology
  • Easy to run without extensive system administration knowledge

3. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS offers services such as pay-as-you-go storage, networking, and virtualization. The most popular and well-known type of IaaS is the virtual machine — a digital version of a computer or server that is accessed over the internet. IaaS gives users cloud-based alternatives to expensive on-premises infrastructure so businesses can use their funds to invest in other things.

In other words, if you are looking to virtualize your systems via the cloud, IaaS is a good place to start, as it allows you to move existing support systems into the cloud. Other solutions can then be migrated or introduced as needed.

IaaS is essentially:

  • Highly flexible and scalable
  • Accessible by multiple users
  • Cost-effective

While the cloud offers a wide variety of benefits and solutions, choosing the service which is best for your company’s needs can be tedious. To ease this burden, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you find the best solution your business needs and ensure proper migration and implementation so you can focus on running your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post The 3 primary cloud service models and how they differ appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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Why your business should get SaaS-yBusinesses these days need different kinds of software to streamline and improve their operations. However, a lot of small businesses can’t readily afford these software. But there is a way to harness the power of such software without draining your resources. Learn more about Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and how your business can benefit from it. What […]

The post Why your business should get SaaS-y appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Why your business should get SaaS-y

Businesses these days need different kinds of software to streamline and improve their operations. However, a lot of small businesses can’t readily afford these software. But there is a way to harness the power of such software without draining your resources. Learn more about Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and how your business can benefit from it.

What is SaaS and what makes it appealing?

SaaS is a software delivery model that allows you, the user, to access software from any device through the internet. This gives you more flexibility since you don’t have to go to the office to use the software. You can work from anywhere as long as you can go online.

As opposed to a traditional on-premises setup where software is stored locally, SaaS is hosted in the cloud. By transferring software hosting to a third party, you’re outsourcing all the responsibilities that come with maintenance, such as upgrades and troubleshooting. In a way, getting SaaS is like renting a car: somebody else owns and spends for upkeep of the vehicle, but you get to drive it.

Shifting software ownership away from your business also changes how much you spend on it. With on-premises software, you purchase a license and pay yearly support fees, which can amount to 22% of the price of license fees (ouch!). With SaaS, you pay a monthly or annual subscription fee that covers licenses, support, and other fees. This is better since it allows you to spread out costs on a monthly basis, instead of purchasing expensive licenses outright and ending up with a huge maintenance bill every year.

Will my data be safe?

Some companies hesitate to switch to SaaS because of data security concerns. Who will own my data? Will my data be safe? What if the vendor goes out of business?

Here’s something for your peace of mind and safety: when you’re outsourcing your software to a SaaS vendor, you have to sign a service level agreement (SLA). This should specify that you own the data and that the vendor is obliged to provide access to your data even if the vendor suffers from extreme circumstances like economic difficulty or disasters.

Data hosted by a SaaS vendor will be more secure than that stored on the average SMB's network. That’s because SaaS vendors regularly undergo strict security audits, forcing them to invest more in security, backup technology, and maintenance than a typical SMB.

Should I switch to SaaS or stick to on-premises?

SaaS is an ideal solution for small- and mid-sized businesses that want to reduce upfront costs. Large businesses or those with complex processes will benefit more from a traditional on-premises solution since it offers more functionality and allows for full customization.

Still unsure about whether SaaS is the right answer for your organization? Want to know more about SaaS before making the transition? Call us today! Our experts are ready to answer any questions you may have about SaaS.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Why your business should get SaaS-y appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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