As the digital transformation accelerates, more companies are turning to online solutions and Software as a Service (SaaS). One of the most admired and equally adopted business models is Software as a service, which has been proven to provide increased ROI for both the company and the users.
SaaS application development solutions have covered almost every niche, from software development to entertainment and finance, and today, you can see examples of SaaS applications everywhere.
Explore how established and emerging SaaS models are revolutionizing the software landscape.
What is a SaaS?
SaaS is the most popular cloud-based service among three types – SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.
A software-as-a-service (SaaS) model hosts applications on a cloud server and distributes them to users via the internet. Using this model, an independent software vendor (ISV) can host their application on a third-party cloud provider. Cloud providers can also be software vendors with larger companies like Microsoft.
Typically, SaaS customers pay a monthly subscription fee to access the application. Subscriptions vary depending on the amount of data to be stored, the level of technical support needed, or the number of users.
What are the Benefits of SaaS?
Like Google Drive& Slack, many popular SaaS-based services are free with some restrictions. Entrepreneurs began spreading the SaaS concept in the 90s. Over 60% of companies are already using the cloud for all processes. The projected annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2028) for revenue is anticipated to be 7.69%, leading to a market size ofUS$374.50 billion by 2008.
What makes SaaS application development so popular is the benefits it offers. Let us look at some of them:
Work from Anywhere
SaaS apps are accessible via web browsers, eliminating the need for complex installations or downloads. Users can access the software from any device with an internet connection, making it convenient and versatile.
Cost Efficiency
SaaS follows a subscription-based model, allowing businesses to pay for what they use on a recurring basis. This eliminates the need for upfront hardware, software licenses, and maintenance investments, making it more cost-effective, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Scalability
SaaS applications can easily scale up or down to accommodate changing business needs. Organizations can add or remove users and features as required without the need for significant reconfigurations.
Automatic Updates
SaaS providers handle software updates and maintenance, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features, security patches, and improvements without any manual intervention.
Rapid Deployment
Traditional software implementations can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. SaaS apps are usually ready for use shortly after subscription, allowing businesses for rapid app development implement new solutions quickly.
Accessibility and Collaboration
SaaS apps enable real-time collaboration among geographically dispersed teams. Multiple users can work on the same document or project simultaneously, enhancing productivity and teamwork.
Security and Compliance
Reputable SaaS providers invest in robust security measures and compliance certifications, offering data encryption, regular backups, and adherence to industry regulations. This often surpasses the security measures of individual businesses.
Reduced IT Burden
With SaaS, the responsibility of infrastructure management, software updates, and troubleshooting rests with the provider. This allows businesses to focus on their core activities rather than IT maintenance.
User-Friendly Interfaces
SaaS apps typically feature intuitive user interfaces designed for ease of use. This reduces the learning curve for employees and enhances user adoption.
Global Accessibility
SaaS applications can be accessed globally, making them ideal for businesses with international operations, remote employees, or customers in different time zones.
Trial and Flexibility
Many SaaS providers offer free trials or limited versions of their apps, allowing businesses to test the software before committing. This trial period helps ensure compatibility and suitability.
Innovation and Upgradability
SaaS providers continuously innovate to stay competitive. This means users benefit from evolving features, functionality, and integration options that adapt to changing business requirements.
Let’s quickly dive into the popular examples of SaaS Applications.
Examples of SaaS Applications
1. SalesForce
Salesforce, one of the most popular b2b SaaS examples, is an American cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) services and software. Besides customer service, analytics, marketing automation, and application development, it also offers enterprise applications.
o increase customer loyalty and satisfaction, Salesforce spends an average of 37% on its customer sales tools.
In addition to connecting businesses with existing customers, Salesforce allows them to interact with stakeholders. You can use Salesforce’s services to:
- Monitor leads and gathers information.
- Improve sales by tracking insights.
- Boost the productivity of your sales team.
- Leads should be engaged directly.
- Collaborate with sales representatives to create email campaigns.
The main features are as follows
- Managing contacts
- Management of opportunities
- Collaboration in sales
- Monitoring and managing sales performance
- Managing leads
- Automated marketing
- Statistics on sales
- Management of partners
Launch Year: 1999
USP: Provides innovative solutions for managing customer relationships and sales teams across the board.
2. Zendesk
Zendesk is a cloud-based platform that is an example of a SaaS application that allows representatives to respond more efficiently to incoming customer requests via any communication channel – email, web, social media, phone, or chat.
In addition to the basic chat version, Zendesk also includes a call center and knowledge base so that you can cover all your bases right from the start.
Despite being free, businesses can quickly scale this live chat tool to meet their growing needs. When their business requirements become more complex, they can upgrade to advanced IM tools such as widget branding, conversation tracking, web SDK, CSAT surveys, and answer bots.
The main features are as follows
- System for tracking tickets
- Live chat and messaging
- Analyses and reporting
- Software for customer service
- The answer bot
- Forum for the community
Launch Year: 2007
USP: Zendesk is a service-first CRM company that builds support, sales, and customer engagement software designed to foster better customer relationships.
3. Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinar platform that is easy to use, reliable, and affordable. Due to the pandemic and remote working’s popularity, Zoom’s popularity skyrocketed in 2020. Virtual communication is primarily used by freelancers, teams, and businesses of all sizes for personal and professional purposes.
In addition to virtual video and audio conferencing, users can set up screen-sharing, live chats, distance education, and webinars through this platform. The Zoom video conferencing software is available as SaaS and is easy to set up.
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. is a communications technology company headquartered in San Jose, California. Because of its popularity and usefulness in enabling users to collaborate from anywhere, Zoom has found a strong place in the popular examples of SaaS applications. A major focus of Zoom’s Software is video telephony and online chat.
4. Dropbox
With Dropbox, you can store files, sync them with your cloud, and use the client software. Dropbox creates a special folder on the user’s computer that keeps all files together in one place. Dropbox’s servers and other devices where the Dropbox software has been installed sync the contents or files of this folder now.
The site uses a freemium business model, meaning users can sign up for a free account and pay for additional storage and features if they wish.
Through password-protected links, Dropbox users can invite teammates to access any folder and send specific files and images. It slashes costs, improves scalability, enables easy upgrades, and saves businesses time to focus on what they do best: running their business.
5. G Suite
sing the SaaS applications that Google offers, businesses and individuals of all demographics have gained a better way of life. Google Suite now offers applications that need no introduction, such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive. Your familiarity with all of these SaaS examples demonstrates the importance of these SaaS apps.
With its comprehensive product line, G Suite offers a comprehensive ecosystem for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises. Unlike its competitors, it is available on all devices and works with Android.