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.
Try: For CRM needs, visit the multi-award-winning Salesforce.com and their live performance data at Service System Status. RightNow offers Marketing, Service, Sales, Voice, and Analytic SaaS, plus tutorials, best practices, and more. Their clients hail from various industries: travel/hospitality, retail, education, finance, and high-tech.

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.
Try: WebApps specializes in SaaS for time/labor applications, including project tracking, scheduling, and benefit accruals. Journyx collects data and connects with Paychex, QuikBooks, and other payroll apps. Try employee recruiting solution Taleo Business Edition free for 30 days.

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.
Try: Go to NetSuite for "One Integrated Business to Manage your Entire Business" through SaaS CRM, Accounting, and E-commerce solutions. Don't forget to check out NetSuite Small Business.

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.
Try: Go to Connectria for Linux, or click on the links to the left for Microsoft, Blackberry, and more applications. Connectria also offers a customizable service level agreement (SLA), and free account changes.

 

• 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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