Online Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

How SaaS can help a small business grow

Online Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) – also called "on-demand software," "hosted software," or "Application Service Provider (ASP)" – is a solution that allows the small business to rent web-based software that is hosted at the provider's site. SaaS is great when your cash flow isn't, since you usually pay-as-you-go or on a subscription basis, and it's great for your IT issues, because your vendor handles those problems. SaaS applications run the gamut, so first decide how you're going to use SaaS to help your business.

The top three needs SaaS addresses in the small businesses are:

1. Accounting/Payroll/Human Resources (HR)
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
3. E-commerce solutions

Standard and Customized SaaS

Most businesses have standard needs, including payroll, HR and CRM. SaaS takes care of these needs and allow you to focus on the more important business issues. If you need something customized, it's no problem for most providers.

SaaS for Payroll and HR

Most payroll and HR SaaS isn't just for time and attendance tracking, but also used for paid time off, employee benefits, regulatory compliance issues, and even late attendance problems.

Saving Money, Making Money

SaaS means more than just saving money and time – it means making money. SaaS offers small businesses the same efficiencies of large companies – so the little guys can truly compete in the marketplace, including in the world of e-commerce.

Find the Big Guys

Many SaaS providers offer the "big guns," including Linux and Microsoft. The bonus of SaaS? If there's a glitch in any software, it's the provider's problem – not yours! Make sure you inquire about their service provisions before signing.

• How Fast: Can your SaaS provider get you up and running?
• How Easy: Look for a service that includes user-friendly help screens, training videos, and easy-to-maneuver help sections.
• How Secure: How secure is your company's data going to be with your SaaS provider? Ask for clarification. And keep in mind that SaaS is far more secure than the typical enterprise network.
• How Much: Find out how the software is priced, what the subscription price includes, and how usage time is calculated/billed. Remember that SaaS removes most, if not all, of what you would have spent on IT – time AND money.
• How Reliable: Make sure the provider have a live tech support person available by phone 24/7, or during your business's hours?

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