Development of SaaS Applications / Software

This article contains the following sections of SaaS Application Development:

• Introduction to SaaS
• What is Software as a Service (Saas)?
• 3 Types of SaaS applications
• Overview of SaaS-applications benefits 
• Why should you use SaaS applications?
• Key components of SaaS applications
• SaaS applications developed for clients by App3null
• Conclusion – SaaS applications

Introduction to SaaS

Software as a Service (SaaS) is gaining popularity worldwide and is undoubtedly one of the winners of this global Corona crisis. It is estimated that by the end of 2021, approximately 73% of all enterprises will rely almost primarily on SaaS applications. Currently, some of the largest and most well-known developers of SaaS applications include Salesfore, Google, Hubspot, Slack, Zoom, and others. Such software offers businesses and consumers significant advantages over traditional on-premise software that must be downloaded and installed locally on devices. This article provides information about the advantages of SaaS applications and applications. Furthermore, the structure and architecture are described in detail to illustrate its potential and growth.

What is Software as a Service (Saas)?

SaaS is a cloud-based service that allows software applications to be used through Internet browsers instead of being traditionally downloaded and installed on the desktop. This service offers companies significant advantages in many respects, be it accessibility, compatibility, or general operational management. Software as a Service is a software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and hosted centrally. SaaS is a common delivery model for many business applications, including office and messaging software, management software, virtualization, etc. It is part of the cloud computing nomenclature, along with Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Desktop as a Service (DaaS).

The SaaS provider hosts the application and data centrally and provides patches. Thus, the SaaS application is transparently updated centrally. Users of such software do not have to deal with complicated configurations or updates. They always have access to the latest versions of the software. Such programs can be used anywhere in the world, from any device and web browser, even without an Internet connection. A good example of a Software as a Service business model is Adobe’s Creative Cloud, which has moved from traditional software to a SaaS model.

3 Types of SaaS applications

Customers can deploy SaaS in one of three different models, as defined by the National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST):

• Private Cloud: software is based on an infrastructure provided exclusively by a single organization with multiple consumers. The infrastructure may be owned, managed, and operated by the organization, a third party, or a combination thereof, and may exist on-site or off-site.
  
  
• Public Cloud: cloud software is based on infrastructure that is provided for public use. The infrastructure may be owned, managed and operated by a business, academic or government organization, or a combination thereof. The infrastructure is located on the premises of the cloud provider.
  
  
• Hybrid cloud: cloud software is primarily based on one type of infrastructure, but may switch to another during periods of high demand. Standardized or proprietary technology enables portability of data and applications.

Overview of SaaS application benefits

For software developers, SaaS is the holy grail of a recurring revenue model, and for end users, it offers a faster deployment time than on-premises software. In line with other cloud services, SaaS offers small businesses the ability to intervene in existing markets while leveraging fair SaaS pricing models. Here are more benefits at a glance:

Security of SaaS application

• Cloud service providers ensure maximum data security
• The SaaS provider processes patches and updates, often without the customer even being aware of it

Cost savings

• With SaaS products, there is no need to purchase and maintain expensive hardware
• In addition, costs are saved because no on-site IT personnel are needed to maintain and support the application
• The costs incurred do not have to be accounted for as capital expenditures, but are part of the operating expenses and running costs
• In addition, you do not have to pay for the entire software, but by purchasing suitable licenses you can only pay for what is ultimately used.

Reliability of SaaS Applications

• Servers can be located all over the world. Even if one of them fails, the app remains online.

No IT infrastructure is necessary

• When business applications are delivered via SaaS, the complexity of the underlying IT infrastructure is taken over entirely by the SaaS provider.

Accessibility & Compatibility

• One of the biggest advantages of SaaS applications is their location independence and accessibility. Applications used over the network are available anywhere, anytime, typically through browser access and from any device.
• No compatibility issues among workforce team members could arise from version differences. With SaaS, all employees get access to the services that have already been updated, all at the same level.

SaaS solutions are beneficial in a variety of business scenarios. Startups and small businesses find SaaS practical when they don’t have the time, capital or expertise to build their own applications or host them locally. Larger companies may use SaaS technology for short-term projects that are not needed throughout the year. Any business can benefit from SaaS technology when it comes to applications that require both web and mobile access.

Why should you use SaaS applications?

From an enterprise perspective, SaaS applications enable their products to be offered globally on a large scale while maintaining overall control over their product. Other benefits of implementing SaaS architecture in the enterprise include: Shortened time to market, lower maintenance costs, easier upgrades, lower cost. Here are some examples:

• Communication platforms: Zoom, Webex, Teams, Slack
• CRM and ERP applications: (Microsoft Office D365, Salesforce, Oracle, SAP)
• Marketing Software: Optimizely, Mailchimp, Hotjar usw.

The ability to activate or deactivate SaaS products on demand is another attractive factor for consumers. You no longer have to spend hundreds of dollars on a software license. Most SaaS products offer a range of pricing options, including a monthly subscription option where you can cancel at any time.

Some of today’s most exciting B2B technologies are delivered using SaaS architecture. For example, Microsoft has effectively democratized what were once complex machine learning algorithms into easy-to-consume web services. These are delivered using cloud technology. Microsoft Azure Machine Learning helps accelerate the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle. In doing so, it reflects a secure and reliable platform designed specifically for accountable machine learning.

Companies can easily integrate such SaaS components into their existing applications. Functionalities they offer to their customers can even be extended by doing so. Debugging or testing of the SaaS components is no longer necessary for companies. SaaS providers take over such services completely.

Key components of SaaS applications

• Security
• Privacy
• Adaptability and configuration
• Scalability
• As little downtime and service level agreements as possible

When developing a SaaS product, various components or features must be included. These are simply expected by the customer by default. The following components must therefore always be considered:

Security

Der Schutz von Benutzerdaten ist in jeder Software von größter Bedeutung. Das gleiche gilt für SaaS-Anwendungen. Ihr Produkt wird das Potenzial haben, Tausende von Benutzern zu bedienen. Es muss also sichergestellt werden, dass die Architektur ihrer Plattform höchste Sicherheit gewährt.

Privacy

Während sich die Sicherheit mit dem Sperren des Benutzers und sensibler Daten befasst, ist der Datenschutz eine weitere wichtige Komponente, die es zu berücksichtigen gilt. Mit neuen Vorschriften (DSGVO) ist das Geschäft mehr denn je für die Wahrung des Benutzer- und Datenschutzes verantwortlich. Nach KPMG ist der Datenschutz das zweitwichtigste Merkmal bei der Kaufentscheidung. Gehen Sie also sicher, dass sie höchsten Datenschutz gewähren.

Adaptability and configuration

Für die meisten Verbrauche können sofort einsatzbereite standardisierte SaaS-Lösungen bereitgestellt werden. Unternehmen erwarten jedoch häufig zusätzlich Anpassungsmöglichkeiten. Diese sind speziell um Anwendungsfälle zu behandeln, die für ihre spezifische Problemdomäne relevant sind. Die Erweiterbarkeit Ihrer SaaS-Architektur ist daher eine weitere wichtige Komponente bei der SaaS-Entwicklung.

Scalability

Kann Ihre Anwendung Tausende von Benutzern skalieren und gleichzeitig über das Web zugreifbar sein? Eine gut gestaltete SaaS-Anwendung kann diesen Service problemlos liefern. Umsetzbar wird dies, indem Sie beispielsweise Hardware wie Network Load Balancers verwenden. Diese verteilen eingehenden Datenverkehr gleichmäßig auf mehrere Webserver. Aus Sicht der Softwarearchitektur kann eine Trennung der einzelne Ebenen für den Datenzugriff, die Geschäftslogik und die Präsentationsebenen Ihrer Anwendung nützlich sein. Hierdurch wird die Skalierung vereinfacht.

As little downtime and service level agreements as possible

While users of on-premise applications are forgiving of offline periods for version updates, SaaS applications usually do not enjoy this luxury. Users expect to be able to use the application at any time and without interruption. Downtime is rare to non-existent in good SaaS applications. So think carefully about how you incorporate upgrades, patches, or debugging capabilities into your SaaS application architecture.

SaaS applications developed for clients by App3null

Leadrebel

A SaaS application for B2B lead generation that shows companies who visited their website while providing company and contact information for the companies.

Trackfox

Trackfox is a SaaS winder service software that enables operations teams to plan, optimize, and automate their tours.

Automotive Controlling

This is a software for order, customer and drive control, which can further be used to perform order logging.

Conclusion

SaaS applications have extensive benefits for businesses and end users alike. The trend is that more and more companies are moving toward SaaS software and away from on-premise software. This article has further shown you what you need to consider when developing such software. We at App3null already have experience in SaaS development. Feel free to ask for a free consultation about such a development and send us an email at hallo@app3null.com or call us +49 30 47050285.