Moving your IT infrastructure to the cloud can be a big decision. Cloud services offer a wide range of advantages, but the transition can sometimes seem daunting for companies that are used to traditional, on-site technology support. Depending on the needs of your particular organization, moving to software as a service might be right decision to get your feet wet and begin to experience the benefits that come from cloud computing.
What is Software as a Service?
Cloud computing is typically divided into three different levels, depending on what aspect of your technology systems are being handled offsite. Software as a service (SaaS) is the highest level. This means that it is as far from the hardware as you can get. At the opposite end of the spectrum is infrastructure as a service (IaaS). When working with an IaaS provider, you are hiring assets that are "close to the metal." In other words, actual computer hardware. With SaaS providers, your company is utilizing software which is hosted offsite, but the platform and infrastructure that the software is running on is managed transparently.
The Advantages of SaaS
Although the terminology might be unfamiliar, it is likely that you use a variety of SaaS applications in your day-to-day life. Web-based applications which run entirely in the browser are a common example of SaaS. As a user of these applications, you do not need to worry about the platform or hardware that the application is running on. There is also no need to install the application on a local machine; as long as you have a web browser and an internet connection, you can access the software.
These properties present a number of major advantages for large organizations. By using cloud-based applications, your IT department no longer needs to manage application installs and support themselves. If your organization has infrastructure that cannot be moved to the cloud, then this frees your IT department to focus their attention on aspects of your technology infrastructure more closely related to your core business operations.
Knowing When to Move to SaaS Providers
Although SaaS offers many advantages, it can sometimes be difficult to know when to make the move and which aspects of your company's operations are a good fit. In general, seeking out SaaS providers makes sense if:
- You are currently using local software to fulfill generic business needs, such as issue tracking or customer databases
- Your IT department is overworked and you want to outsource some of your basic application support needs
- Your office computers are out-of-date and you would prefer to limit the technical requirements of your software rather than upgrade your existing systems
- You want regular software updates without requiring your IT staff to manage those updates themselves
SaaS is especially beneficial for typical business needs, such as database backups and support ticket management. Since these particular applications generally require only minor levels of customization between organizations, they are particularly well-suited to be moved into the cloud. To learn more, contact a company like KGC Computers.
