What is Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model in which a cloud provider hosts applications and makes it available to end users over the internet. In this model, an independent software vendor  may contract a third-party cloud provider to host the application. Or, with larger companies, such as Microsoft, the cloud provider might also be the software vendor.

SaaS works through the cloud delivery model. A software provider will either host the application and related data using its own servers, databases, networking and computing resources. Or it may be an ISV that contracts a cloud provider to host the application in the provider’s data center. The application will be accessible to any device with a network connection. SaaS applications are typically accessed via web browsers.

As a result, companies using SaaS applications are not tasked with the setup and maintenance of the software. Users simply pay a subscription fee to gain access to the software, which is a ready-made solution.

Characteristics of SaaS

SaaS protects the privacy of each customer while providing service that is reliable and secure—on a massive scale. The key characteristics of the SaaS model are as following:

  • Multitenant Architecture
    A multitenant architecture, in which all users and applications share a single, common infrastructure and code base that is centrally maintained. Because SaaS vendor clients are all on the same infrastructure and code base, vendors can innovate more quickly and save the valuable development time previously spent on maintaining numerous versions of outdated code.
  • Easy Customisation
    The ability for each user to easily customise applications to fit their business processes without affecting the common infrastructure. Because of the way SaaS is architected, these customisations are unique to each company or user and are always preserved through upgrades. That means SaaS providers can make upgrades more often, with less customer risk and much lower adoption cost.
  • Better Access
    Improved access to data from any networked device while making it easier to manage privileges, monitor data use, and ensure everyone sees the same information at the same time.
  • SaaS Harnesses the Consumer Web
    With the SaaS model, you can customise with point-and-click ease, making the weeks or months it takes to update traditional business software seem hopelessly old fashioned.
  • SaaS Trends
    Organisations are now developing SaaS integration platforms for building additional SaaS applications. SaaS moves beyond standalone software functionality to become a platform for mission-critical applications.

Benefits of SaaS

  • Flexible payments
    Rather than purchasing software to install, or additional hardware to support it, customers subscribe to a SaaS offering. Transitioning costs to a recurring operating expense allows many businesses to exercise better and more predictable budgeting. Users can also terminate SaaS offerings at any time to stop those recurring costs.
  • Scalable usage
    Cloud services like SaaS offer high Vertical scalability, which gives customers the option to access more or fewer services or features on demand.
    Automatic updates. Rather than purchasing new software, customers can rely on a SaaS provider to automatically perform updates and patch management. This further reduces the burden on in-house IT staff.
  • Accessibility and persistence
    Since SaaS vendors deliver applications over the internet, users can access them from any internet-enabled device and location.
  • Customization
    SaaS applications are often customizable and can be integrated with other business applications, especially across applications from a common software provider.

Examples of SaaS

One example of SaaS are RMM tools.
What is RMM? In short, it is the process of controlling small and medium business IT systems such as laptops, desktops and servers that reside on a network. These devices can be managed using a locally installed “agent” through which an MSP (Managed Service Provider) can access these devices and perform maintenance and security tasks either manually or automatically, taking a proactive approach. In this way, your MSP can also access your system remotely when a problem is detected and fix it immediately without on-site intervention.With a RMM solution, you can remotely monitor your customers’ IT infrastructures and systems, saving MSPs time, money and resources. Instead of traveling to the customer site to determine the status of devices and networks, technicians can check everything remotely. This allows you to monitor and manage multiple accounts in real time and proactively address issues by holistically examining customer systems through a RMM’s management console. RMM software also enables MSPs to automate routine tasks such as software patching, which reduces the likelihood of human error (e.g., technicians missing customer endpoints).

MSP without a RMM Tool would be like a car mechanic without any tools.

Choosing the right RMM solution for your needs takes a little work. All the benefits of a RMM Tool you can read in this article. The benefits of RMM software for MSPs are so numerous that it is not surprising that most MSP companies have already implemented a similar solution. Enterprises have unique needs and requirements and no software platform can be perfect in such a situation. It is pointless to try to find an ideal off-the-shelf software system that meets all your business needs. The smart thing to do would be to modify the application for your specific needs, worker skill levels, budget, and other factors. For these reasons, do not hurry and invest in well-publicized trendy solutions. Though these may be widely used, they may not be the best fit for your particular wants. If you have not yet decided on a solution, XEOX is a must try.

More About XEOX

XEOX is a cloud based modern remote monitoring and management software solution for IT teams and professionals to gain better visibility and control over all critical assets in their company’s or customer’s IT environment. This advanced RMM tool allows to manage various IT assets automatically and remotely from a central location using any device.

The software is equipped with tools that streamline repetitive IT support and management tasks. It enables automated deployment and installation of software packages to endpoints, computers and users without causing disruption. XEOX simplifies patch management processes with instant endpoint scanning, patch distribution and patch compliance reporting capabilities.

IT teams and professionals gain a complete and clear view of their entire network. They can monitor the activity of users and devices connecting to VLAN networks and receive notifications about switch port status and availability. Efficient endpoint management also allows them to detect and fix problems on their Windows endpoints immediately. XEOX also has a mobile app that allows them to track and troubleshoot issues, perform tasks, and access important alerts anywhere.

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