When we talk about the characteristics of Software as a Service, we find different key functions that define how software as a service is managed.
Among the benefits of software as a service, we find important points such as low costs, the ability to access it from anywhere, among others.
However, it's very important that we name the other characteristics of Software as a Service specifically, since for many, these types of characteristics can become barriers when contracting this type of service.
In this post, we'll talk about the characteristics that are almost never mentioned by Software as a Service developers.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE
We have already talked on different occasions about What is Software as a Service?, How does this service work? and many other things.
However, there are certain characteristics of Software as a Service that we almost never hear mentioned. This is because many companies believe that these types of characteristics could become obstacles or barriers when contracting this type of service, especially since they may be the very advantages already mentioned.
Let's talk about the characteristics:
In the Cloud
Cloud services are something we can't touch, but we can access them from any device with Internet access. Many people worry about where their data is stored. The provider is responsible for hosting.
The Client Adapts to the Application:
In the case of desktop applications, many are custom-designed for the client, tailored to their way of working. With SaaS software, on the other hand, the client will be the one who adapts to the way the application works. An application that will constantly integrate improvements, which may pose obstacles for some clients.
Total Dependence on the Provider:
The client is completely dependent on the Provider's Server. And what happens if the provider stops providing service? The Service Level Agreement (SLA) in these cases isn't clear, since these are rented services, paid for based on temporary use and maintenance.
Security:
The provider is responsible for application security and privacy. But incidents do happen, and in the case of SaaS software they affect a larger number of people, since it's a shared application.
Smaller Software Offering:
It's a matter of time, but the offering of SaaS software is still smaller than that of desktop software, leaving few options to choose from.
Distrust About Sharing Data:
The fact that company data isn't located within the company's own walls is something that makes many business owners distrustful. Typically, the idea of software as a service is introduced with applications that handle non-critical data (human resources, billing, legal, etc.), gradually assessing the effectiveness of SaaS.
Complexity in Syncing Data:
Because of the distrust we mentioned earlier, many companies keep some data locally and other data in a SaaS installation. Depending on the data we want to keep in the cloud, syncing our computer with this data increases complexity when we want to update, export or import.
Availability of Cloud Data:
If the application or platform doesn't have a system (web service, an API, etc.) that allows you to extract the data, that's a clear drawback and a reason not to adopt the cloud application, since we wouldn't have access to the data in the cloud.
It Depends on Our Connection Speed:
Although we can have the same problem with local installations, in SaaS internet speed is important, since it's online software, and connection speed can be decisive when choosing software.
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