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The Impact of SaaS

30 July 2019

A few years ago, it used to be the case that every request for a new device, application or piece of software had to run through a company’s IT department. Spring forward to 2019, and the rise of ‘Software as a Service’ (SaaS) has meant that many staff are now able to do it for themselves.

This is just one of the many ways in which SaaS has reshaped business operations over the last few years. We’re going to delve further into its influence, and let you see how your business could benefit from utilising the delivery model.

1) Role Changes of Internal IT Staff

Despite the increasing reliance on SaaS, the IT manager role hasn’t disappeared—you could just say that it’s evolved.

A lot of SaaS packages are easy to set up, which means that even the most un-tech savvy people are able to do it themselves. The knock-on effect? IT managers now have the role of ‘police guarding’ rather than setting up software.

Staff might now be less reliant on IT managers for practical tasks, but the increase in cyber threats means that the focus has shifted somewhat. Today, one of the IT department’s main tasks is to make sure that staff are aware of cybersecurity measures, such as password security and access control. Have you ever used 1Password, Lastpass or a similar password management system? If the answer is yes, then an IT manager or service provider presumably set this up for you.

2) No Costly Training is Required

As well as setting up SaaS, your IT department won’t have to worry about training people to use it either.

Here at ICT Solutions, we provide various SaaS packages, including Amazon Web Services (AWS). The platform offers on-demand cloud computing services such as networking, databases, mobile, analytics and storage (to name but a few), and is known for its flexibility and scalability.

What’s great about the package is that with it, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you get going. There are also various online courses that you can help you become certified in AWS, something that enterprise and installation-based software packages are unable to offer to the same degree.

3) Flexible Working

Unlike enterprise software which is purchased and installed onto your organisation’s servers, SaaS is rented and hosted elsewhere—typically on the SaaS vendor’s ‘cloud’. This cloud-based system means that SaaS platforms can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world, as long as there’s an internet connection.

The knock-on effect? Many workers are now able to work from home, which is great for those who want to avoid long commutes and travel delays. It’s also ideal for directors and managers who often have to travel for meetings across the country, as it means that they have the option to work when they’re away from the office.

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