What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a Service, or SaaS, is a way of delivering software applications over the internet instead of downloading it.

What is SaaS?

SaaS (Software as a Service) refers to software delivered via the cloud that users can access through an internet browser. With SaaS, you don’t need to worry about maintaining or managing the software.

Instead, the SaaS provider, such as UA&I, handles all technical aspects like hosting, updates, and server management.

An example would be a web-based email service that allows users to send and receive emails without having to maintain the servers themselves.

What are the benefits of SaaS?

Accessibility

SaaS can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, which is crucial for businesses with remote or hybrid workforces.

Lower Up-front Costs

The subscription model means you avoid paying large up-front fees for licenses or infrastructure.

Reduced Ongoing Costs

Since UA&I manages maintenance and updates, you won’t face unexpected expenses.

Rapid Deployment

No need to install or configure software; SaaS solutions can be quickly implemented across your business.

Scalability

You can easily increase services or storage as your business grows without additional infrastructure costs.

Reliability

UA&I ensures your SaaS is secure, with disaster recovery protocols and high uptime, typically around 99.9%.

Automatic Updates

SaaS is continuously updated with the latest features and security patches, without any need for IT intervention.

Integration

Our SaaS solutions integrate seamlessly with existing systems, allowing businesses to customize and expand functionality without added infrastructure costs.

A brief history of SaaS

The Early Days: Mainframe Computing

(1960s–1990s)

The idea of delivering software over a network dates back to the 1960s with mainframe computing. Companies used "time-sharing" systems to access software hosted on large, centralized computers.

These systems were expensive, complex, and only accessible to large organizations with significant resources.

The Birth of SaaS: The Internet Revolution

(Late 1990s)

The rise of the internet in the late 1990s paved the way for modern SaaS. Companies like Salesforce (founded in 1999) pioneered the concept of delivering business applications (e.g. a CRM) over the web.

Salesforce introduced the subscription-based model, eliminating the need for costly software installations and licenses.

SaaS Goes Mainstream

(2000s)

As internet speeds improved and cloud infrastructure matured, SaaS gained traction. Companies like Google (with Google Apps, now Google Workspace) and Microsoft (with Office 365) entered the market.

SaaS became popular for its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ease of use, appealing to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprises alike.

Explosion of SaaS Applications

(2010s)

The 2010s saw an explosion of SaaS applications across industries, from project management (e.g., Trello, Asana) to communication (e.g., Slack, Zoom) and beyond.

SaaS platforms began integrating with each other, creating ecosystems that allowed businesses to connect tools and streamline workflows.

SaaS as a Default

(2020s)

SaaS is now the default software delivery model for most businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption as remote work and digital transformation became essential.

Modern SaaS platforms are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance functionality, such as predictive analytics and personalised user experiences.

What’s Next? The Future of SaaS

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Vertical SaaS: Industry-specific SaaS solutions (e.g., healthcare, real estate, logistics) will grow, offering tailored features for niche markets.

Edge Computing: SaaS will integrate with edge computing, allowing faster data processing and real-time decision-making closer to the source of data.

Sustainability: SaaS providers will focus on reducing their environmental impact by optimising data centres and using renewable energy.

How Does SaaS Actually Work?

SaaS works by hosting applications and data on secure servers. When you subscribe, you are given access to the software through a web browser, allowing you to use it without needing to manage the underlying infrastructure.