6 Software as a Service (SaaS) Questions Answered

Below we have answered six of the most commonly asked questions we receive:

What is the difference from standard software?

SaaS is a popular form of cloud computing. The software is accessed and used through a web browser and often also available as an App on your desktop and your mobile device. With the vast majority of individuals connected at all times, especially when running a business, this makes SaaS solutions accessible at home, in the office or on the go.

How much maintenance is on the customer’s side?

Virtually nothing. SaaS does not require you to install and run software applications on your computer and so issues with IT restrictions and software vetting are eliminated. Any updates from the SaaS vendor will be made immediately available when you log in to your account.

How are SaaS solutions priced?

The great thing about SaaS is that it is highly scalable; meaning most vendors will offer different subscription tiers for small, medium, and enterprise sized businesses. SaaS vendors typically also offer flexible subscription lengths (ranging monthly to multi-year) and come with zero set-up, maintenance, or renewal fees allowing you to budget with peace of mind.

Can we customize SaaS platforms?

One of the reasons SaaS solutions are good value and easy-to-use is because vendors are able to sell multiple subscriptions to the same product.

Most solutions will offer options of customized access rights, basic/premium access subscriptions levels, and options around personalization. However, customization to an individual company’s needs and bespoke functionality are generally more complex. SaaS vendors may be open to customize their platform for you, but it is not always a quick fix.

How secure are SaaS platforms?

A common misconception among companies is that data is safer when hosted by their IT-department on-site and secured by their own firewalls and IT specialists. However, the risk of targeted breach, human error or malpractice remains high.

Experienced SaaS vendors often host their data with reputable and experienced hosting providers that have their own data security experts and have strict data security policies in order to prevent leaks. It means, that once subscribed to a SaaS platform your data is secured with robust firewalls, intrusion prevention detection, antivirus software and access controls.

Can we connect other systems to a SaaS platform?

Most SaaS vendors will have an API (application programming interface) that enables you to connect with other systems you may be using. The SaaS vendor must make their API available to you and vice versa if you intend to send and receive data through multiple platforms. Third party vendors (such as Zapier) are also a possibility to connect application and automate workflows.

The simplicity of this solution means that if no single vendor can solve all your needs, you can employ a combination of multiple vendors to achieve the desired operational outcome for your business.

CargoValue as a SaaS solution

As a preferred solution in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace and AppSource, CargoValue is a cloud-based solution hosted by the globally trusted Microsoft Azure Platform. Behind the scenes we utilize a range of different languages, frameworks, and tools for the IT architecture; some examples are React, Redux, and HTML/CSS/JavaScript trio with most microservices written in the programming language Scala.

For our customers, we are able to guarantee quick implementation and easy onboarding thanks to the intuitive user interface. The CargoValue API enables us to regularly integrate with other systems our clients may be using. And with an ‘Agile’ approach to development; we are continuously making improvements to CargoValue in line with customer feedback.