What is SaaS?

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) is a component of cloud computing. This technology enables users to benefit from IT resources and services via the Internet. This way, SaaS publishers can provide cloud-hosted software that is available on demand. The publisher is also responsible for maintaining the software, while the provider (e.g. OVHcloud) manages the infrastructure on which the solution is hosted.

saas-platform

SaaS Definition: How does it work?

A Software-as-a-Service solution is directly hosted in the cloud — so the software provided to the user is not installed on their machine. It is hosted by a provider, on their physical servers. They manage the technical layers and host the data, for example. The software publisher manages the SaaS cloud software itself. SaaS solutions are available on demand, usually as a subscription — and they are adapted to all users and use types. They do not require any infrastructure management from the end-user. The user can access the application via the internet, regardless of their location or the device they are using. By opting for SaaS solutions, you get a wide range of business software to suit your professional needs.

What are the advantages of a SaaS solution?

These software solutions are dematerialized, so they can be accessed easily via an internet connection. As explained further up in the SaaS definition section, the software solution is not installed on the end-user’s physical machine. It is hosted on remote servers, and users simply log in to the solution via a dashboard or API. This offers many benefits for both end-users and organizations. Companies of all sizes can benefit from a secure information system. Using SaaS cloud solutions for their management software offers the guarantee that their data is stored in a sovereign cloud, on resilient environments.

SaaS solutions offer many advantages

Reduced up-front costs.

Since the software is not installed on the user’s machine, they don’t need to purchase licenses.

Predictable recurring costs per user

With a monthly subscription system, you can plan the budget to allocate to each license — and easily anticipate the costs associated with using it. Your billing is transparent, and your budget is controlled. You only pay for the licenses you use.

Scalability

Depending on your needs, you can subscribe to new licenses. Adjust the number of users, without worrying about the additional workload that will be applied to the infrastructure hosting your solution. The software and hardware layer are maintained by your solution’s publisher.

Accessibility and Mobility

Since SaaS solutions are hosted in the cloud, they are accessible everywhere, and from every device. Users only need an internet connection to access the software from their browser.

Flexibility and Agility

Choose the software and services you need. You can simply adjust your solution to fit your usage, as required.

Quick Deployment

Choose the solution that best suits your needs, from a catalog of SaaS solutions.

Easy Maintenance

The software publisher maintains the software and the cloud provider maintains the infrastructure supporting it. This means your users have access to the latest features and updates, without any action required from you.

Data Security

CIOs no longer need to worry about data security and storage, since this responsibility is managed by the cloud service provider. The SaaS software hosted on our cloud complies with the very strictest data protection requirements. OVHcloud hosting solutions guarantee the highest level of security and hold a number of certifications and qualifications.

 

SaaS solutions — what are they used for?

There is a wide range of solutions on the market to meet the needs of individuals and businesses alike. With cloud-based SaaS services, everyone can find the right solution for their project — and they cover the needs of almost all business sectors.

Here is an overview of the types of SaaS solutions available for freelancers and SMEs:

  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. These offer many features for managing an organisation’s operations — inventory, production, accounting management, and more.
     
  • Les CRM (Customer Relationship Management). CRM tools enable you to centralise customer and company data, and get the very most out of it.
     
  • Collaborative and corporate communication solutions. This includes agenda-sharing, conference systems, contact and presence management, corporate messaging, and project management. With collaborative software, your employees can keep working closely with one another — even remotely.

What are the differences between IaaS, PaaS and SaaS?

The three most common types of cloud computing services on the market are SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

With SaaS, you can access software hosted in the cloud. It is accessible via dashboards and available through an internet connection — so you do not have to install a license on your computer. The cloud provider maintains the infrastructure. You pay for your licenses by subscription and manage them according to your needs.

PaaS, or Platform-as-a-Service, is a solution or application available on demand. Designed by and for developers, these tools enable them to create their application layers. Since the platform is managed and maintained by the provider, developers can focus on their code and data.

With IaaS or Infrastructure-as-a-Service, you can delegate the management of your infrastructure’s hardware, resources, network, and even storage to a cloud provider. OVHcloud offers three types of infrastructure-as-a-service: Public Cloud, Hosted Private Cloud and a hybrid cloud solution.