Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is growing so quickly its
definition seems to get lost in the ascent. According to Wikipedia (because it's a simple
definition) SaaS is "typically pronounced sass, sometimes
referred to as "software on demand," is software that is deployed
over the internet and/or is deployed to run behind a firewall on a
local area network or personal computer.
With SaaS, a provider licenses an application to customers
either as a service on demand, through a subscription, in a
"pay-as-you-go" model, or (increasingly) at no charge when there is
opportunity to generate revenue from streams other than the user,
such as from advertisement or user list sales. This approach to
application delivery is part of the utility computing model where
all of the technology is in the "cloud" accessed over the Internet
as a service."
Basically, a company, like Onsharp, creates a program. The
program is then hosted on a server and is accessed by customers
through an internet connection, just like SmartPay. The advantages
listed on Wikipedia apply to SmartPay, a SaaS, because:
- It is more accessible - businesses and their customers do not
have to buy any hardware or software to log into the SmartPay
system. All you need is a common internet browser,
- You do not need your own server so there are fewer costs and
more security.
- Maintenance, back-ups, and upgrades are automatic.
Here's a (humorous) video defining SaaS for a different SaaS
product, SAManage. Looks like Jane is falling in love with
SaaS.
As demonstrated in the video, SaaS can improve your efficiency
and relieve many disadvantages of software. SmartPay would probably
work well as actual software also, but being web-based and cloud
hosted helps improve the system for both the user and for
SmartPay's staff. In addition to improved reliability, better
accessibility, and more security, many SaaS, including SmartPay,
have a usage pricing model. SmartPay is priced based on how many
invoices you create in the system. That way, the costs associated
with the system match your demand. If you have a slower month, you
will pay less.
The definition is probably less convoluted now. SaaS has many
advantages which work well with SmartPay. SaaS is also a great
option for many other system needs for your business. Onsharp, the
creators of SmartPay, specialize in custom development like SaaS
and are available for your questions.
If you have questions about SaaS, please leave us a message!