Make Sure it's SaaS
A SaaS solution offers faster deployment, immediate savings, and built-in service and expertise on demand via the Internet. Make sure your business realizes the full benefits associated with the SaaS model. Look for the following characteristics to distinguish a true SaaS solution from the rest.
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SaaS offers: |
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A core shift in the underlying relationship, from product-based to service-based |  |
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Web-based application with delivery of the application service over a standard Internet browser that is specifically designed and developed by the Software as a Service provider, not another technology firm | |
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No end-user investment required in software, hardware, implementation and integration services, or use of additional IT staff | |
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No software/no hardware installed; remotely delivered and managed applications from a single or multiple centralized locations, but not residing on the client's site or within its underlying IT structure | |
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Rapid and simple deployment, configuration and training (typically less than three months) | |
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Single application code base (Java, J2EE, .NET, or open source) and single platform and database selection that is used across the entire customer base allowing for significant product development and R&D efficiencies | |
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A "one-to-many" application delivery model that is often defined as a multi-tenant architecture, which is scalable, secure, and replicable application architecture capable of supporting thousands of concurrent customers on a single instance of the application | |
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Frequent upgrade cycles occurring multiple times per year in addition to minor product enhancements on a routine basis that are all seamlessly deployed over the Web | |
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"Pay-as-you-go" pricing with a wide variety of models (i.e., subscription, transaction, etc.)and terms ranging from payments received upfront, to pre-pay, to as incurred | |
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Ability to customize and configure the appearance, policy settings, workflow and other characteristics to meet the diverse needs of a large customer base | |
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Ability to integrate using APIs and Web Services with other existing third-party and internally developed enterprise applications and databases | |
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Back-end application hosting from remotely managed/owned facilities, or provided by a third party | |
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24x7x365 perpetual account responsibility with on-going customer services supporting end-user adoption, use / training, and troubleshooting | |
Compare SaaS to Other Business Models
Take a look at Ariba's SaaS Solutions
