Software as a Service, or Saas, is one of the fastest-growing commodities in the online space. Salesforce defines SaaS as “a way of delivering applications over the internet – as a service”. SaaS removes the need for businesses to download and maintain software by simply accessing the service they need over the internet. From a traditional sense, companies have had to build and manage their own I.T. network to do business online and the majority of the time, this comes with a hefty price tag. SaaS removes the need for internal systems and saves businesses both time and money by providing cloud-based, instant services.

Even if you already have your own I.T. infrastructure, it won’t cater for all of your needs, which is where SaaS comes in.

Without bragging too much,

Localizer is a great example of a quality SaaS platform as we provide all the translation and localization expertise you could ask for, accessible anywhere you have a device connected to the web.

If you’re thinking of integrating SaaS into your business model, here's why it's a good idea:

1. Cheaper Entry Costs

SaaS is generally a subscription-based model where you can sign up for a period of time with set costs, giving greater clarity of your total expenses from the outset. When you enlist the services of a SaaS platform, you get everything you need without having to shell out on expensive upgrades or new hardware. The SaaS platform manages everything for you, making for a more streamlined process that involves less manpower while saving you time and money. The readymade expertise also means you get the desired result much faster than if you handled everything internally.

2. Carefree Upgrades

Upgrading and maintaining services can be time consuming and painful. Using SaaS, you’ve got no responsibility to upgrade the service or keep your information secure. The only thing you need to do is agree on reasonable terms of service that the SaaS provider should adhere to and let them worry about the rest. If there’s any new hardware, software or patches that need to be added then it’s the domain of the SaaS provider to look after these. You're paying for the service so that you don't have to worry about any of these things.

3. Simple Integration

All good SaaS platforms have the ability to integrate seamlessly with your existing website and should be able to adapt easily to the way your business operates. They’re also customizable so that you use only the features that you need. SaaS platforms will help your business grow and be scalable enough to handle the extra work that growth brings. There should be no breakdown of service as traffic and demands on the platform increase.

4. High Adoption Rates

Salesforce indicate that SaaS platforms have high adoption rates, because the software is readily available on web browsers that people use every day. The level of comfort associated with familiar browsers reduces the learning curve of anyone using a SaaS platform as it works in these browsers, making people more open to using it. This is really important as there’s not much point investing money in a SaaS platform if nobody in your business is willing or able to use it. Internally, usually only one or two people have expertise in certain areas but b

ecause a SaaS platform provides the expertise, you can share the workload by assigning multiple people with login credentials to use it.

5. Fast Deployment and Decisions

Spending money on outsourced products or services can often be met with skepticism as to whether it actually works or not. The good news is that most SaaS platforms offer a trial period to test out their software and get a better understanding if it suits your needs. Not only that, SaaS initiatives can be rolled out much quicker than internal efforts, so you can see the benefits almost immediately. You'll also usually get the option to book an online demo, where a representative will take you through how the product works and reduce the learning curve even further if you decide to use it.

6. Only Pay What You Want

Once you’ve footed the bill for the initial entry costs, you’re then in complete control of what you spend and when you spend it. The subscription-based model means you’ve got a clear monthly or yearly forecast of what you’re going to spend on the platform. As your business grows, the features you need will change and you can add or remove them according to your requirements. Every SaaS platform will have a pricing structure for each new feature and will invariably be cheaper than running it in-house. If something isn’t working for you then you can just remove the feature, but spending money on something in-house means you’re stuck with it, regardless of whether it works or not.

7. Work Anywhere or Any Time