As technology progresses and is widely adopted, it is important to understand what we gain and lose as the end user. There was once a time, and not too long past that in order to access the latest and greatest software we would walk into a computer store, purchase the software, bring it home, and install it on our machines. As an even more recent experience, we could in some cases pull the software down from a server on the internet, and after a one time purchase, install the software on our computer.
The times are changing, and we are quickly seeing this model disappear with the infusion of a new technology called SAAS (software as a service). In a nutshell, what this means is that instead of buying and re-buying the latest upgrade to our favorite software, these solutions are starting to show up in an online format. You can simply go to a web URL, and access your favorite software online, or in the cloud. This makes access to your software easy, and from any machine. All you need is connection to the internet and a password to get into your account. All files and software are stored on cloud servers and not on a local machine.
So while this seems to be a logical, straightforward, and advantageous way to use software, there are some small print catches that we need to understand. While we are no longer paying a flat fee for a piece of software that we may or may not repurchase in a year with its upgrade, we now pay a monthly or yearly subscription price to lease the software. Built into that price is continual maintenance and upgrades to the software, and in addition the cost to host that software on cloud servers. In other words, what once you owned no longer yours. Its almost like selling your house so you can rent again. Sure, on the plus side you live in a great neighborhood with a maintenance crew that constantly cleans up. On the other hand we have to continue to pay the maintenance crew whether we like it or not, or suddenly the landlord kicks us out of the house. Understanding SAAS can help us better understand the wind of change in our futures, and financially prepare for this change.
Using SAAS (software as a solution), and PAAS (platform as a solution) can provide some rich benefits to businesses, and to the average technology user.
Stop buying software - Buying software can be very expensive. Most users get very comfortable with the software they use, and purchase it over and over again as each additional update is released. Spending hundreds of dollars of software can become a huge investment for every day users. SAAS applications typically allow you to lease the software for a low cost, and each time the vendor makes a change to the software there are no additional expenses.
Access anywhere - When you use cloud technology you virtually only need access to the internet. Everything else is running off your computer and on someone's else's server. This eliminates large software downloads and the need for enormous amounts of storage space. Keeping the data off your own personal or company computer, not only keeps your computer nimble and running fast, but it provides an extra layer of authentication and security which protects confidentiality.
3rd party integration - Many of today's cloud applications allow for integration with other third party vendors. What this means for you, is the ability to minimize additional steps in your work flow, speeding up transactions and allowing your to focus on what your do best.
The concept that things just get bigger and better is completely backwards when it comes to modern technology. In fact today, big is bad and small is better. Mobile devices are beginning to control the way we used to use technology. Everything from word processing to game play has moved from the giant tv screens of our homes to the tiny screens of our every day telephones. This evolution has become a perfect companion to the hustle and bustle of today's working America. Because there never seems to be enough time, mobile devices give that time back to us. Even our daily working software has moved to the SAAS (software as a service) cloud. Juggernaut software applications like Salesforce, and other CRM programs now have nimble applications that can be used right on your phone. With the injection of new technologies, we can always be connected to our daily jobs and ensure nothing is left undone.
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