Quick guide to SaaS
Quick guide to SaaS
Quick guide to SaaS
Not enough time to read the whole guide?
This bullet point overview will help you to quickly understand the key points on how to optimise Software as a Service (SaaS) for your business.
Intro to SaaS
There’s been a shift from costly traditional ‘boxed’ software to subscription-based SaaS, making software more accessible and flexible.
Traditional software required significant upfront investment; it was inflexible and prone to piracy, increasing costs for legitimate users.
Faster internet and better browsers now enable seamless, browser-based software delivery, reducing distribution costs and improving accessibility, leading to the rise of ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) solutions.
Benefits of SaaS
Affordability & predictability: SaaS eliminates large upfront costs, offering predictable monthly fees, and aiding budget management.
Scalability & flexibility: Businesses can easily adjust user numbers without investing in additional infrastructure, which is crucial for growth.
Reduced IT burden: Service providers manage infrastructure and updates, allowing businesses to focus on core operations.
Challenges of SaaS
Spiralling cost: Cumulative subscription costs can become substantial and lack of pricing control can lead to unexpected increases.
Tiered pricing issues: Essential features are often locked behind higher-priced plans, leading to necessary but costly upgrades.
Data control concerns: Your data sits on someone else’s infrastructure. Ensure reliable backup and data recovery is in place and verify the service provider’s data protection measures.
How to optimise your SaaS
Conduct a SaaS audit: Regular audits help manage expenses - identify all subscriptions, review costs, and find savings opportunities.
Categorise software: Classify software as essential, valuable but imperfect, replaceable, or redundant to gain clarity and optimise use and costs.
Develop an action plan: Cancel unnecessary subscriptions, transition away from replaceable software, and seek savings on essential tools.
Maximize vendor engagement: Engage vendors for training/support on underutilized software to enhance value.
Next steps
Share the full SaaS smart guide with a team member who has the ability to understand your current SaaS setup.
Encourage them to engage with our additional resources and to conduct a SaaS audit.
Check back in with them after a pre-agreed period to discuss their findings and make a plan of action for next steps.
