Tag: SaaS

Why SaaS is The Best Option for Enterprise Businesses?

Posted on by Jay

In today’s evolving technological landscape, enterprise businesses are presented with an array of options to streamline their operations and drive growth. One solution that has gained remarkable traction in recent years is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

This innovative model has transformed the way organizations approach software deployment, offering a wide array of benefits that are particularly well-suited for enterprise-level operations.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of SaaS, explore its characteristics, advantages, and dispel common myths, ultimately highlighting why it’s the best option for modern enterprise businesses.

Understanding SaaS:

Understanding SaaS

(Image source: https://www.saasacademy.com/)

It is a cloud computing model in which software applications are hosted and provided to users over the internet on a subscription basis.

Unlike traditional software that needs to be installed and maintained on individual computers or servers, SaaS applications are centrally managed in the cloud, accessible from any device with an internet connection.

This convenience and flexibility have made it a game-changer for businesses of all sizes, but particularly for enterprises with complex needs.

Examples of Popular SaaS Application

Examples of Popular SaaS Application

(Image source: https://otakoyi.software/)

Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

  • Salesforce:
    A highly customizable CRM platform that helps businesses manage leads, contacts, opportunities, and customer interactions.
  • WakeUpSales:
    A user-friendly CRM system that offers contact management, email tracking, and sales automation features.

Project Management and Collaboration:

  • Orangescrum:
    A project management tool known for its visual task boards and team collaboration features, making it easy to track projects and tasks.
  • Monday.com:
    A work operating system that provides a centralized platform for planning, tracking, and managing work across teams.

Human Resources Management (HRM):

  • Workday:
    A cloud-based HRM system that covers HR, payroll, and talent management, designed to streamline workforce management.
  • BambooHR:
    An HR software that focuses on employee data management, onboarding, and performance tracking.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP):

  • Oracle NetSuite:
    A comprehensive cloud-based ERP solution that integrates financial management, CRM, and e-commerce functionalities.
  • SAP Business ByDesign:
    A scalable ERP system that covers various business processes like finance, supply chain, and project management.

Communication and Team Collaboration:

  • Microsoft Teams:
    A hub for teamwork in Microsoft 365, combining chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integration.
  • Slack: A messaging and collaboration platform that enhances communication and teamwork with channels, integrations, and file sharing.

Marketing Automation:

  • HubSpot Marketing Hub:
    An all-in-one marketing automation platform that includes tools for email marketing, social media, and analytics.
  • Marketo:
    A powerful marketing automation solution that focuses on lead generation, nurturing, and personalized campaigns.

Financial Management:

  • QuickBooks Online:
    A popular cloud-based accounting software that helps small businesses manage invoicing, expenses, and financial reports.
  • Xero:
    Another cloud-based accounting platform known for its ease of use and features like bank reconciliation and expense tracking.

E-commerce Platforms:

  • Shopify:
    A widely-used e-commerce platform that enables businesses to set up online stores, manage products, and process payments.
  • WooCommerce:
    A plugin for WordPress that turns a website into an e-commerce store, offering customization and integration options.

Customer Support and Helpdesk:

  • Zendesk:
    A customer service platform that provides ticketing, live chat, and self-service support solutions to enhance customer experience.
  • Freshdesk:
    A cloud-based helpdesk software that offers omnichannel support, ticket management, and automation features.

Document Collaboration and Storage:

  • Google Workspace (formerly G Suite):
    A suite of cloud-based productivity tools including Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive for collaboration and storage.
  • Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365):
    A collection of applications including Word, Excel, and OneDrive for document collaboration and storage.

Video Conferencing and Communication:

  • Zoom:
    A widely-used video conferencing platform that offers online meetings, webinars, and collaboration features.
  • Microsoft Teams:
    Apart from collaboration, it also serves as a platform for video conferencing, making it a versatile choice.

A Brief History of SaaS Applications

The concept dates back to the 1960s, but it gained significant momentum in the 1990s with the advent of the internet.

Salesforce’s launch in 1999 marked a pivotal moment, showcasing the viability of delivering software as a service.

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Since then, it has evolved to cover a wide range of applications and industries, disrupting traditional software deployment models.

What are the Characteristics and Benefits of SaaS Applications?


What are the Characteristics and Benefits of SaaS Applications(Image source: https://otakoyi.software/)

Scalability and Flexibility:

  • Easily Scales:
    Applications can scale up or down seamlessly, adapting to changing user demands or business growth without requiring significant infrastructure adjustments.
  • No Hardware Upgrades:
    Eliminates the need for costly hardware upgrades or expansions, as the cloud infrastructure handles the scaling process.
  • Rapid Deployment:
    New users or features can be added quickly, allowing businesses to respond to market opportunities or changes without delay.
  • Pay-as-You-Grow:
    You pay for what you use, making it ideal for startups or enterprises looking to control costs while maintaining the ability to expand operations.
  • Resource Efficiency:
    It avoids overprovisioning and underutilization of resources, optimizing cost-effectiveness.

Cost-Efficiency and Predictable Pricing:

  • Subscription Model:
    It operates on a subscription basis, replacing upfront licensing costs with regular, predictable payments.
  • Reduced Capital Expenses:
    No need for significant upfront investments in software licenses or hardware, freeing up capital for other business priorities.
  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):
    Maintenance, updates, and support are often included in the subscription, reducing the total cost of owning and managing software.
  • Scalability Savings:
    As your business grows, you avoid the expense of purchasing and maintaining additional hardware and software licenses.
  • Budget Predictability:
    Fixed subscription fees allow for better budgeting and financial planning, minimizing financial surprises.

Accessibility and Collaboration:

  • Anytime, Anywhere Access:
    SaaS applications are accessible via the internet, enabling users to work from anywhere and on any device.
  • Remote and Hybrid Work:
    Supports the rise of remote work, allowing teams to collaborate effectively regardless of geographical locations.
  • Real-Time Collaboration:
    Multiple users can work simultaneously on shared documents, projects, or data, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
  • Reduced Communication Barriers:
    Instant messaging, file sharing, and collaborative features facilitate smooth communication and information exchange.
  • Global Workforce Enablement:
    It breaks down geographic barriers, allowing businesses to tap into talent from around the world.

Automatic Updates and Maintenance:

  • Seamless Updates:
    Application service providers handle updates and maintenance, ensuring that your software is continuously updated with the latest features and security enhancements.
  • Reduced IT Burden:
    IT teams are relieved of routine maintenance tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives and innovation.
  • Improved Security:
    Regular updates include security patches, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing protection against cyber threats.
  • Minimized Downtime:
    Updates are often performed without disrupting users, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous operation.
  • Access to Innovation:
    Automatic updates provide access to new functionalities and capabilities without the need for manual installations.

Integration and Interoperability:

  • Built-in Integrations:
    Many applications offer Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and integrations with other popular software and services.
  • Unified Data Flow:
    Integrations facilitate data sharing and synchronization across different systems, reducing data silos and improving data accuracy.
  • Streamlined Workflows:
    Automated data transfer between applications reduces manual data entry and improves efficiency.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making:
    Unified data and insights from integrated systems enable better-informed decisions across departments.
  • Customized Ecosystem:
    Organizations can create tailored ecosystems by combining applications that suit their specific needs, ensuring a cohesive software environment.

What is the Difference Between SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) vs. On-Premise Applications

What is the Difference Between SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) vs. On-Premise Applications

(Image source: https://www.alibabacloud.com/knowledge/what-is-saas)

 

SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)

On-Premise Application

Definition

SaaS applications are cloud-based software solutions delivered over the internet on a subscription basis. Users access the software remotely through web browsers without needing to install or maintain it locally.

On-premise applications are traditional software solutions that are installed and run on local servers or computers within an organization’s physical infrastructure. These applications are managed, maintained, and updated by the organization’s IT department.

Deployment

Deployed on the provider’s servers and accessed remotely via the internet. No installation is required on users’ devices.

Installed and maintained on the organization’s own servers, requiring manual installations and updates on each user’s device.

Cost Structure

 Follows a subscription-based pricing model, with predictable recurring costs that cover software access, maintenance, updates, and support. Involves upfront costs for software licenses and hardware, with potential additional costs for ongoing maintenance, updates, and support.

Accessibility

Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, fostering collaboration among distributed teams and enabling remote work.

Accessible only within the organization’s network, limiting remote access and collaboration.

Scalability

Scales easily to accommodate increased users, data, or transactions, with the provider managing the underlying infrastructure

Requires manual adjustments and potential hardware upgrades to scale, often leading to higher costs and longer implementation times.

Maintenance and Updates

Providers handle maintenance, updates, and security, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features and security patches.

Organizations are responsible for maintaining, updating, and patching the software, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Customization

Customization options can be limited, as the software is standardized to cater to a broader user base.

Offers greater customization possibilities, allowing organizations to tailor the software to their specific needs.

Data Security

Data security relies on the provider’s measures. Organizations must trust the provider’s security practices and compliance with data protection regulations.

Provides more control over data security, but requires organizations to implement and maintain their own security measures.

Integration

Offers built-in APIs and integrations with other software, facilitating seamless data flow across systems.

Integrations often require manual development and maintenance, potentially leading to longer integration times.
Vendor Control

Organizations rely on the SaaS provider for software management, updates, and security, which can lead to concerns about vendor dependency.

Organizations have full control over software management, updates, and security, but this also requires dedicated IT resources.

Debunking Common Software-As-A-Service Myths

  1. Myth: SaaS is Less Secure than On-Premise Software:

Reality: Security is a top priority for providers. Reputable providers invest heavily in advanced security measures, encryption, data backup, and compliance with industry standards. These platforms often offer robust security features that match or even surpass those of on-premise solutions.

  1. Myth: It Is Only for Small Businesses:

Reality: It is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. In fact, many enterprises leverage software-as-a-service to streamline operations, reduce IT complexity, and stay agile in a rapidly changing business landscape.

  1. Myth: Software-As-A-Service Applications Lack Customization:

Reality: While these applications are standardized to cater to a broader user base, many providers offer customization options. Businesses can often configure settings, integrate with other tools, and adapt workflows to align the software with their specific needs.

  1. Myth: Applications Always Have Hidden Costs:

Reality: While subscriptions involve ongoing costs, they typically include maintenance, updates, and support. Compared to on-premise solutions, where hidden costs like hardware upgrades and maintenance can accumulate, It provides greater transparency and predictability in total costs.

  1. Myth: You Lose Control Over Your Data:

Reality: Software service providers prioritize data security and compliance. While data is stored off-site, reputable providers implement strict access controls, encryption, and adhere to data protection regulations. Businesses retain ownership of their data and can access, export, and delete it as needed.

What Future Holds For SaaS Application?

What Future Holds For SaaS Application

(Image source: https://financesonline.com/)

  • SaaS is a cloud-based application platform; according to statistics the global market for cloud related software services will surpass $520 Billion in 2023.
  • According to a recent study, nearly 1/3rd of the companies invested in cloud computing.
  • In the year 2022 the hybrid cloud market was $54.34 Billion which is expected to reach $ 201 Billion in 2032.
  • Nearly 90% of the active companies around the world have adopted cloud technology.
  • Amazon cloud service or AWS is the leading SaaS solution provider. It owns 32% of shares around the world.

Conclusion

Software-as-a-Service has revolutionized the way enterprises approach software adoption and usage.

Its accessibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency make it the best option for modern enterprise businesses.

By harnessing the power of SaaS, enterprises can drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and stay agile in an ever-changing business landscape.

FAQs

Q1 – Who Owns SaaS Product Data?

Answer – The ownership of data in a SaaS product typically rests with the customer or the organization that subscribes to the service. Software service providers act as custodians of the data and are responsible for its storage and security. It’s important to review the terms of service and data usage policies provided by the vendor to understand the specifics of data ownership and usage rights.

Q2 – What If My Software-As-a-Service Provider Goes Out Of Business?

Answer – If your software service provider goes out of business, it can create challenges for your organization. It’s crucial to have a contingency plan in place. Ideally, before subscribing to their service, ensure that the contract includes provisions for data retrieval and transition in case the vendor becomes non-operational. Backup your data regularly and maintain awareness of the financial stability and reputation of the software-as-a-service developers.

Q3 – Can Applications be Customized to Fit Enterprise-Specific Needs?

Answer – Yes, many software service applications offer customization options. While these solutions are standardized to cater to a broad audience, they often provide configuration settings, integration capabilities, and extensions that allow businesses to adapt the software to their specific needs. However, the extent of customization may vary depending on the provider and the nature of the application.

Q4 – Is It Secure For Enterprise-Level Data?

Answer – Reputable software service providers prioritize data security and invest in robust measures to protect enterprise-level data. These measures can include encryption, access controls, regular security audits, compliance with industry regulations, and data backup strategies. While security concerns are valid, many applications provide a high level of security that can often match or surpass on-premise solutions, provided you choose a reliable and trusted vendor.

Rise Of Technology Usage In The Response To Post COVID19 Crisis

Posted on by Jay

The Covid-19 pandemic is a really difficult time for all. It has triggered a panic button all over the world as a medical emergency, disrupting the global economy and hitting businesses hard in the area of operation and survival.

The consequences such as social distancing, lockdowns, low production/demand, lack of labor, and a high degree of uncertainty, have questioned their continuity.

But digital technology has helped pandemic hit businesses to keep up and running like least affected.

Thankfully, many tech companies are promptly offering next-level digital technology to keep their businesses operational even amidst the crisis.

As the need for digital infrastructure has grown for businesses during this emergency, solutions like custom app development and cloud computing have proven beyond useful.

A Reality Check for Businesses

From retail, healthcare, and finance industries to grocery, apparel, and salon, every industry has to quickly adapt to the new situation; to serve their customers safely and fast.

They have to consider options of virtual contacts, eCommerce tools, and technologies to respond to this crisis-ridden situation in a better way. These drastic changes in business sectors are long-term.

Pandemic and Contribution of Tech Stacks

Businesses are left with no option but to digitize all or some part of their activities to protect customers and employees put under travel restrictions due to the pandemic.

Some of the tech stacks have already confirmed that they are getting a record number of requests for the implementation of remote work and digital services across multiple domains.

Again, shopper behaviors and ways of interactions have changed considerably, and the demand for digital technology is likely to continue in the future.

Nearly around 75% of shoppers are using digital platforms for the first time.

Web and mobile app development companies have to make sure that the approaching businesses are digital-ready and don’t miss a single customer in this unstable condition.

Recent data from McKinsey (Source: Covid-19 US Digital Sentiment Survey) shows the accelerated rate of digital adoption among US businesses and customers in different industries.

Web application development

mobile application development

(Source – mckinsey.com)

Challenges and Digital Adoption in the Press

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown many challenges at businesses – the most important being the company management and financial stability, thus making business resiliency and continuity their ultimate priority.

There are a few other areas where businesses are facing challenges such as reducing operation costs, maintaining data security, etc.

Digital technology helps pandemics have a low impact on businesses by taking their eCommerce development to the cloud platform and automating the whole business from supply chain to sales management.

Digital Transformation to Address Pain Points

Digital technology is a savior for businesses in the pre-Covid19 and post Covid19 era. It is not just a good to have a feature – but a necessity for companies to weather the effects of the pandemic.

And as businesses now come to consult with tech companies more and more, they are seen struggling in the following areas:

  • Deploying remote staff
  • Reaching out to customers virtually
  • Remote access to business activities and details
  • Adding to agility and competence
  • Stay safe against new cybersecurity related issues
  • Cutting down operational costs and improving supply chain activity

While businesses are undergoing organizational, cultural, and social change, tech companies have been providing the required support to help them cope up with it gradually.

Restructured Traditional Business Model

Empowering businesses digitally is not all about facilitating remote access; they will have to be available 24/7 online taking/processing orders and addressing issues that employees are facing on the personal/professional front.

Digital technology has successfully removed in-person client meetings and customers are no doubt experiencing an increased speed of response in the digital framework.

Companies are now able to build excellent virtual customer contacts that could be easily shifted to core business activity post-crisis.

The insecurity triggered by the Covid-19 crisis is encouraging businesses to review their IT infrastructure and make sure that they work on the limitations there to work remotely.

Businesses are now more versatile in the area of decision making and seen enjoying new customer engagements and conversations than before.

Effect of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is the key to overcoming the pandemic and helping businesses get robust and resilient for the future.

To start with, many companies have sped up the adoption of digital technology and tools that will quickly connect with their workers, clients, and partners safely, without making huge investments.

New-age digital solutions like SaaS, Cloud, Data Security, and Automation have come together to make businesses pandemic-proof.

Digital Implementation in Full Glory

With work from home now becoming a standard, the importance of cloud service has grown more.

And so far, you may have seen many businesses move to comprehensive WFH mode without any disturbance – thanks in real life to SaaS and cloud solutions providers, which are offering cost-effective packages.

Hundreds of custom app developments have been carried out to connect home bound businesses to collaborative/management tools for their continuity.

Similarly, web and mobile app development companies continue working remotely and writing codes in cloud-based secure environments.

Some of them even include built-in and cloud-managed features such as AI-backed applications for greater functionality during this pandemic.

BCP is no longer a tick-in-the-box habit, rather has become a strategic strength for businesses. When facing supply chain issues during lockdowns, they have started to gain the ability to find raw supply chain data in real-time.

Businesses now use AI and other advanced technologies like IoT, blockchain, 5G coverage, and edge computing to finely balance operating costs, creating a solid supply chain worldwide and turning unimaginable into the projected.

They have reached the goal of building better, smarter supply chains by integrating both data and technology.

It helps them to escape the current pandemic effect as well as unexpected events in the future.

Conclusion

Distributed staff, virtual contact facilities, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning, data, and analytics: 

  • all of them are part of the coveted digital world
  • already exploited by the businesses in different ways
  • and to variable degrees during this pandemic.

In the post-crisis phase, they are likely to expand faster.

Are you feeling the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic and looking to overcome it with technology? Let’s discuss! 

I am sure our tech experts and full stack developers can guide you in the right path.

What Is The Saas Life Cycle-Application And Development

Posted on by Jay

A SaaS Project Management & Team Communication tool, the enterprises that purchase the services of SaaS providers will always come out on top with efficient operations and organized teams – said by Basecamp.

The Saas Life Cycle is a term used in the software industry to describe the process of creating a new software product. It’s a generic way of understanding the different phases that a software project goes through from the moment you start developing a new application to the moment you release it for users.

If you’re new to the Saas Life Cycle, you might be wondering what exactly it means. Or you might be wondering how you can take your new project through this process to make it more successful. Either way, you’ll learn more about the Saas Life Cycle and how it can help your new software project succeed with this article.

SaaS Development

From the view of experts, SaaS development is unique. It requires a specific skill-set and an open-minded approach.

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Here are some benefits of using a SaaS:

  • Lower costs. Since SaaS is a “cloud” solution the prices customers are required to pay are much lower than on-premise solutions.
  • Scalability. SaaS is an already developed solution, customers do not need to do much planning, as SaaS are highly scalable.
  • Upgrades. SaaS provides all the upgrades themselves, which is highly convenient for the users.
  • Integration. SaaS are perfect platforms for integration with other services
  • User Experience. SaaS solutions always try to make their UX enjoyable. Which lets their customers spend less time learning how to use the software.

The SaaS Development Life Cycle Must Begin With A Vision

You need to conduct a lot of research if you are willing to develop a great tool. Beginning with, identifying the needs of an organization is a crucial part to fulfill.

Gathering the ideas and evaluating the market will give you an idea of a product that is going to be useful and successful.

The Planning Stage

You can’t develop a SaaS Application much without having a great plan. You and your developing authority must understand how are you going to develop your SaaS, how much it will cost, when will you be able to launch it, and how is the marketing strategy going to look.

Software Development Strategies for your SaaS solution may help with answering those questions.

The Subscription Stage

After all decisions regarding cost and architecture have been finalized comes the time to choose your cloud provider. While there are many decisions to be made regarding a SaaS platform, the cloud provider selection is, probably, the most important one.

Subscription

The Development Stage

The Development stage is a complex stage. There are many decisions to make regarding the project’s architecture.

Actually, there is no point in developing a SaaS application unless it is suitable for all targeted users and has the potential to scale.

Below I have listed some of the essential requirements for a SaaS development to meet to be considered valuable for users and profitable for developers as well:

  • User Experience. The software must be easy to use and user-friendly.
  • Security. SaaS must to provide a high level of security, and its customers must believe in the exceptional security of their data.
  • Customer Support. The Built-in support processes, 24-hour access, and frequent, non-disruptive updates must all take place in a SaaS Application.

By keeping these basic practices in mind, the SaaS development process will mean the following:

Selection Af A Development Methodology

There is a large amount of methodologies available and that are known as the “Software Development Lifecycle”. Let’s break down some of the most common ones below:

  • Rapid – quickly to put together and speed-up the development, and then tested.
  • Spiral – here development divided into cycles, each of which is evaluated to then later influence the next cycle and better the methodology.
  • Agile – development methodology where each iteration gets evaluated after it ends, so that positive change and adaptation of plans can take place before the next iteration begins.

Agile Methodology

SaaS Will Mean HTML5

New products mean using the HTML5 technology. It is one of the most suitable for today’s environment. This technology provides rich Internet applications so, do not need the legacy plugins.

“When back in 2014 Microsoft announced that they will be discontinuing the support of Windows XP, Microsoft platforms that could not support HTML5 slowly began to die off.”

But there still may be some glitch issues with the use of HTML5 on mobile devices, but there are less and less of those each day. If there are any issues, then a native mobile app may be the best course of action.

SaaS Requires Published API’s

SaaS products must have API’s that provide for the development of external widgets and extensions by value-added resellers and other third-party developers.

APIs have to be consistent and should be maintained after publishing. Developers should ensure that APIs must be extended, which requires a very accurate architecture.

SaaS And Stateless Architecture

Stateless architecture is preferred because it provides smooth performance, elasticity, scalability, and fault tolerance. If applications are stateless, there is no need to allocate storage of previous requests, making the cost lower.

These applications can also scale easily, making it perfect for dealing with spikes in usage. Stateful architecture, on the other hand, requires more management and takes up more infrastructure resources.

Stateless architecture is not a requirement for SaaS, though it just may provide the best performance.

SaaS Upgrades

Upgrades must be built into the architecture in a way that will not disrupt user experience.

SaaS companies do not put out different version there – usually there are only two. If a new version is developed, it can be done on a separate server without any migrated clients to minimize disruptions.

Operations – Requirements For Development

New tenant on-boarding and billing services must be built into the SaaS architecture. IaaS and PaaS providers (if they are used), and third-party tools may help with managing that, though their integration must be in the software product itself. There isn’t a defined model for all of this, which means that the developers will have to get creative.

SaaS Implementation Methodology And Deployment

Once the software is deployed, frequent updates and security patches should take place to keep the support requests to a minimum while continually improving the UX.

Helpdesk calls and/or support tickets all result in increased operational costs, so the goal is to automate those tasks as much as possible and. Remember – constant monitoring and patches/updates will keep your customers happy.

SaaS Development, Operations, And Management Are Unique

Everyone must consider SaaS development, invest heavily in the talent of the people developing it.

This is the most expensive part of the endeavor – the requirement for a very specific skill set.

And, if you intend to have a top-rated piece of software – robust, expansion-ready, innovative, with well-received UI and UX, secure, and reliable in its implementation – then you must be prepared for the high costs involved.

Saas Development Tools

SaaS projects are usually complex and oftentimes unique. It means there is no defined stack of tools mandatory for SaaS development. You can build your SaaS development stack off of your project requirements, your architecture and your marketing strategy.

I’ve worked with the team at Andolasoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

LEARN MORE

Nevertheless, some of the more popular tools for SaaS development are listed below:

Server-side development:

Conclusion

SaaS solutions have become the best options for many businesses these days. Their availability, scalability, and pricing policies all provide their users with an abundance of benefits.

Whether you are looking to adopt a SaaS in your business, or you are planning to develop a SaaS of your own, the concept is as innovative as it gets and it is worth all the attention it has recently been getting.

How To Launch A Mobile App The Right Way

Posted on by Regina Deemer

With easy access to smartphones and quick internet connectivity, the app industry is growing exponentially. According to a recent survey by Statista, there are more than 300 billion smartphone users globally, and this number will add several hundred million in the coming years.

China, India, and the U.S. are the leading nations in terms of having the maximum number of smartphone users, with almost everyone glued to some app or the other. Almost everyone today has a smartphone, with numerous apps downloaded on their phones or tablets.

Google Play Store already has billions of apps, with the most popular category of apps being gaming, social media, educational, entertainment, health-related, delivery apps, e-commerce, etc.

Another report on app usage confirms that the number of mobile app downloads in 2019 was 204bn, generating a total revenue of 462bn USD, around the world. The mobile app revenue is estimated to cross 935.2bn USD by the end of 2023.

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The above figures are enticing for every entrepreneur or start-ups to create a successful, engaging app and turn it into a lucrative business opportunity.

There are two significant milestones for becoming a successful ‘Appreneur.’

  • Creating a feature-rich, user-friendly, robust, engaging, secured and innovative app
  • Successfully launching the app in the market

Usually, people ignore the 2nd point, i.e., launching the app correctly, and regret it later when their app does not generate the expected revenue.

So, here is the checklist that one must orchestrate while launching their app in the market, as it will attribute to the success of your treasured app, and generate maximum revenue.

Key Points to Check Before Launching the App

Believing that your app is completely ready, and all set to be launched, the primary goal of every Appreuner is to have initial downloading of the app in huge numbers and eventually retain the users for the long haul.

So, let’s come straight to the essential points to implement to ensure the successful launch of the app.

1. Thorough Market Research

With billions of apps already available on Google, there is undoubtedly a fierce competition for your app to join the league.

To help your app stand out and perform better than the other related apps in the niche, check out the customer reviews of the leading apps on App stores, YouTube, or blogs and use them to upgrade your app to provide a more reliable solution for your users.

2. Set Target Goals

Some essential measurable goals should be set in advance, which will help in defining your app success.

Active Install Rate, App Ratings, Revenue Generation, etc. are some of the benchmarks that will help you determine your app’s success.

3. Cross-platform Versions

Your app must work seamlessly on different platforms and browser versions of the app to have a wider reach. It also makes your app affordable, especially in the long run.

4. Showcase on Social Media platforms

Social Media accounts act as an ideal place for generating interest in users about your services, games, etc. Attractive UI/UX can attract more users and their feedback and ideas can be used to improve your site.

5. Engaging Content

Publishing content related to your app is essential. This includes blog posts, social media content, demo videos, press releases, website content, email marketing content, etc.

It adds value to your app, and helps in better user understanding. Also, it is crucial to check daily reviews and cater to your prospective user queries, to help them build trust in your app.

6. Select an App Store

While launching your app, you should consider choosing just one app store, which will help you streamline all the fundamental changes and implementations.

It will also contribute to attaining high user concentration and ratings.

7. Use App Store Optimization (ASO)

ASO helps discover the app by users quickly in the App Store if proper keywords are used in the title.

Also, ensure that you mark all the essential categories related to your app, in the app store.

8. App Integrations

These app integrations are useful in retaining your users, as their data is stored in apps.

For example, Pinterest integrated with Facebook and has dramatically benefited Pinterest in creating a vast user base.

9. Pitch your story

For effective marketing, you must present your app’s demo video to mobile, tech, industry journalists, bloggers, etc. to market your app by fitting into their editorials. You can also gather insights from them and improve your app technically.

Also, sharing your app demo with proficient techies, having expertise in providing software solutions, and web-based services like Ruby, SaaS, CakePHP, and other latest technologies, can be of great help.

10. Set-up Paid Advertising

Paid advertising during the launch week is a great way to campaign your app on Google, or Facebook, etc. You can also direct users to a dedicated landing page for more accuracy of the app.

11. Influencer Marketing

With increasing competition in the app industry, tapping influencers or Industry thought leaders, is trending in 2020.

I’ve worked with the team at Andolasoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

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Identify social media influencers and conduct personalized email outreach to help them understand your product’s benefits. Know more.

12. Affiliate marketing

Creating an Affiliate program encourages users to download your app or purchase it. Appreneurs should partner with Affiliates to promote your app. Incentives, rewards, during the app launch, attract users for app installation.

14. Prompt users to Download App

Once your app is ready for the launch, you should place download links everywhere, on the blogs, Social media, marketing emails, etc.

I am sure; the tips mentioned above will help you launch your mobile app successfully and turn it into a lucrative business solution.

By following the above steps, your app will gain an edge over the competitors and earn more revenue through improved user engagement, loyal clientele and better performing app.

How to Capture the Opportunity after 59 Mobile Apps Banned in India

Posted on by Jay

Last week the Government of India did announce to ban 59 mobile applications as the government said these mobile apps were engaged in activities that were prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity, and defense of the nation.

The list includes TikTok, UCBrowser, WeChat, CamScanner, etc and these apps are quite popular and have been widely used in India and in other countries as well.

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown that followed has changed the way many professionals work.

Technology has played a pivotal role — be it work from home or online classes or digital payments.

Same time, certain IT experts feel this may be the best and ideal opportunity for the Startups, particularly from India, to develop and deliver the alternative apps to shine.

What Entrepreneurs are Saying After the Ban:

Shortly after the announcement, Debjani Ghosh, NASSCOM’s president took to Twitter to laud the decision and encourage India’s start-ups to fill the void in the app ecosystem. Her tweet was accompanied by numerous entrepreneurs including PayTM founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, who was also welcomed by the move.

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Debjani Ghosh, president of NASSCOM, feels that it is the right time for the government and industry to focus on building for the Indian movement. She tweeted –

How This is an Opportunity:

From the last 10 years, India’s tech start-ups have been struggling to compete with the digital offerings with foreign companies which is typically backed by heavy volumes of funding, and capable of undertaking relentless and wide-scale marketing campaigns.

According to experts, India’s tech start-up ecosystem has struggled to secure the same levels of investments that the foreign-backed firms receive. And coupled with the lack of institutional support for the Indian government as well.

The popular mobile apps like TikTok, UCBrowser, Vigo, and other apps, many of which come pre-installed on smartphone manufactures and sold by foreign-based companies in India such as Huawei, Xiaomi, ZTE, etc.

What We Can Achieve:

The whole thing is actually about data privacy. There no connection to the Indo-China Border conflict issue for this banning.

So here only to focus the Indian Data-Privacy policy along with other privacy policies to launch your mobile app into the market.

Other checkpoints like features, engagement, usability must to consider for developing a new mobile app.

Obviously, if you are developing a mobile app for public entertainment or people would use the app for their entertainment your data privacy policy need to be transparent as much it can be.

Security of User Information

With that kind of information at stake, mobile app developers need to do everything they can to protect their users and clients.

I’ve worked with the team at Andolasoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

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Some the step we can follow like:

  • Encrypt All Data
  • Be Extra Cautious With Libraries
  • Use Authorized APIs Only
  • Use High-Level Authentication
  • Deploy Tamper-Detection Technologies
  • Use the Principle of Least Privilege
  • Deploy Proper Session Handling
  • Use the Best Cryptography Tools and Techniques

The above guidelines will help to keep the mobile app secure as an oyster and keep your clients and users happy.

Conclusion

From video sharing app like TikTok to chat-based services WeChat, to eCommerce, to web browsing and gaming, the latest ban has provided a much-awated gift to the Indian digital niche, at a moment when the spirits may have been at their lowest due to Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Same time, the Indian Government also has to back the Indian startup as a wing to gain popularity. The time is ripe then, for India’s tech entrepreneurs to finally take center-stage.

What’s on your mind? Let’s develop it!

Key Steps To Developing A Successful SaaS MVP

Posted on by Jay

In times past, you bought something once and it was yours forever.

A few years back, you bought something once and it was yours forever. But today, you pay for the regular access.

Especially, when it comes to the use of software, vehicle, and even clothes.

But this comes with distinct advantages for both the vendor and the customer.

As the demand increases, the software and its platforms are constantly developed and improved. If you turn around you can see several well-equipped solutions that have all the mechanisms to deliver the best solution. But they are still adding more wings on it.

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As a new player, it will be a difficult journey for you to figure out what should be in your Software As A Service MVP (Minimum Viable Product). The questions like;

  • What feature to focus on?
  • What to Include?
  • Is it worth the cost?

may be speculating on your mind.

Let’s have a deep dive into it and build a SaaS MVP that customers will buy, use, and recommend as well.

SaaS Product, What Is It?

Software as a service (also known as subscribeware or rentware) is a software licensing and delivery model in which software is licensed on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted by a company.

SaaS applications are also known as Web-based software, on-demand software, and hosted software.

For example;

Orangescrum (The Project Collaboration Tool) is a SaaS product that is hosted on the company servers and customers pay a monthly or yearly fee to access it.

And of course, you can find variations in this model.

Some companies allow their customers to deploy the on-premise model as well but still charge a regular fee.

As per Gartner Forecast; “The saas industry is expected to reach $85.1 billion by the end of 2019. This is only slated to grow as more companies use saas products regularly. An average organization uses 16 saas apps as part of its regular workflow.”Granter Forecast

Tech & Marketing giant Hubspot believes;

“for a successful launch of an MVP for a saas product, it is important to have strong support for media and specialized platforms and confirm demand for your product. The first aspect will give you a stream of constant leads and the second will give you an understanding of what you can invest in media while remaining profitable.”

Yes, it sounds like there is lots of potential in SaaS Development but there is lots of competition as well.

So, there are many factors to consider for developing a SaaS MVP that could springboard you to success.

Let’s have a look at how to confirm the demand for your idea before you start to build a saas MVP.

Get A Deep Understanding Of The Audiences Pain, Wants, And Needs

Many entrepreneurs come with an idea, they do the basic market research, through a website and start developing the features that will go into their SaaS MVP.

But this is complete wrongdoing process, reasons are:

This is a mistake for several reasons such as:

  • There’s no feature prioritization
  • Product demand is uncertain
  • Don’t have a clear customer persona
  • Not addressing a well-defined pain point

And the list goes on.

An efficient route would be talking to the people who you think as your target customer. And you should engage on this before launching your website, before the first lines of code, and even before you solidify your idea.

Why?

Why?

Because practically the market’s demand could be completely different from your imagination. If the market does not want this (your idea) then they are not going to buy it.

Let’s take the example from Buffer – the popular social media scheduling app.

When the founder got his idea, he didn’t start development right away. Instead, he tested demand by creating a landing page and a simple checkout flow that didn’t work. Instead, he collected email addresses and started conversations with the people who tried to sign up.

When the founder got his idea, he didn’t just directly jump to the development. He tested demands by creating a simple and engaging landing page with a checkout flow that did not work (deliberately). Then he collected the email Address and started the conversation with those users who tried to sign up previously.

His objective was to understand the aspect of the product, and what features they needed to make it work for their business.

After engaging with several peoples, the founder had a clear vision of the features for his SaaS product development. Then we started building the product and the rest is history. Buffer is making 10 million dollars in a year.

Another approach could identify your potential customers, reach out to them, and hold interviews. Through the open-ended questions, you could able to understand the problems and their needed solutions.

Prioritize Your Product Roadmap

After finishing the customer interview, you will have a clear view of what solution your market is looking for and how to reach a valuable proposition. It is completely up to you to decide which feature will be the best for fulfilling the market needs.

For example, if your users want to get more leads and uncover insights about their audience, there are many ways to go about it. You could create a survey tool, quiz software, popups that also ask questions, etc.

The interviews would’ve given you insights into how important aspects of the solution were. Maybe people want to generate leads the most and segmenting those leads was secondary. Maybe they need to be able to send those leads to their CRM.

A product roadmap will help you organize the features or aspects of your saas MVP. Some of them will make it into the initial version and others will be pushed back because they’re not as important.

The major benefit of a product roadmap is the clarity it gives you. You and your team know exactly where you are and what’s left to be done at any given point. If something becomes more important based on user feedback or changing priorities, you can update your product roadmap in a few moments.

Build The Single Most Important Core Feature

Feature creep is real.

It robs your product of its simplicity.

It destroys your focus.

Deadlines get shattered.

It turns your elegant solution into a slow unwieldy hulk.

Needless to say, feature creep should be avoided at all costs. The benefits of adding a marginally useful feature are outweighed by the downsides.

There are several simple ways to avoid feature creep in your MVP and the final product.

Consider Each Feature Carefully

Many organizations think up great features and start implementing them. This can work in some cases but most of the time it doesn’t. If there isn’t a demand from existing customers or it’s not part of the original product vision then think long and hard before adding it.

Consider setting up a feature approval process. Every new feature has to meet specific criteria such as:

  • It’s been requested a certain number of times
  • It’s part of the original product vision (use this if the feature hasn’t been requested too often)
  • The feature will have a tangible impact on revenue or product usage

The criteria used to evaluate new features will be peculiar to your business but the most important thing is to have an approval process. You can improve it over time.

Differentiate Between Nice-To-Have & Must-To-Have Features

Every product has essential features that make it what it is. In a list building software, popups are an essential feature.
There are also headline features. These are the features that you can put on a landing page and people will look for but they’re not necessarily used often. In our product, one of the headline features is A/B testing but a small fraction of users take advantage of it.

Nice to have features are what they sound like. They’re interesting and may help with conversions but they’re far from necessary. When you differentiate your features in this way, it makes it easier to understand what you need to focus your energy on.

Keep An Eye On Usability

If people can’t use your software then they won’t. Usability should be at the top of the list for a saas MVP. The more features you add, the more screens, clicks, and buttons you’ll need to add. It reduces usability.

Always consider how difficult or easy a new feature will be to take advantage of. If it has a marked impact on a customer’s ability to get the most out of your software then it may be better to leave it off.

Launch It And Stop Developing

This is where many founders have issues. They launch a product and don’t get a lot of traction. They think it’s because their product isn’t ready yet. It may not be the best in the world but if you’ve built a great core feature, you can sell it.

That is why it’s an MVP.

There’s a temptation to start writing more code because the next feature will turn everything around.
It won’t.

I’ve worked with the team at Andolasoft on multiple websites. They are professional, responsive, & easy to work with. I’ve had great experiences & would recommend their services to anyone.

Ruthie Miller, Sr. Mktg. Specialist

Salesforce, Houston, Texas

LEARN MORE

If you have a stable product, have launched it, and it has gotten at least one customer then stop focusing on development.

Instead, focus on getting more customers through sales or marketing. There are countless ways to go about this and many books, blog posts, and courses have been dedicated to the subject.

Here are a few methods to build awareness and acquire your first customers:

  • Host a podcast or become a guest on a podcast
  • Start blogging to build traffic
  • Focus on a single social media channel to generate leads
  • Reach out to your target customers
  • Tap your immediate network
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Use Quora connect with your audience and establish authority
  • Submit to startup aggregators like BetaList or Product hunt

These are just a few ideas and there are countless more. You were creative enough to start a business so I’m confident that you’ll be creative enough to get a few customers.

Conclusion

A SaaS MVP, when done right, can be the first step to building a successful company. When done incorrectly, it’s the beginning of a long road that may not yield much return.

There are multiple steps you can take to increase your odds of success.

  • Talk to your potential customers
  • Prioritize the right features with your product roadmap
  • Build the most important feature first
  • Launch and focus on getting new customers before you continue development

Do you have a SaaS Idea? Let’s Discuss. We will Monetize it!