Software as a Service (SaaS) is reshaping traditional business practices, and there is no doubt about it. SaaS adoption has been on the rise post-pandemic and the trend is likely to continue for coming decades. Today, businesses from all sectors are rapidly using SaaS applications to transform their operations.
However, when it comes to choosing the right SaaS applications, most companies fail to recognize their needs. In some cases, even minor mistakes can cause mismatches and negatively affect team performance. It is, therefore, essential for business leaders to be extremely careful while reviewing SaaS applications and select the best one that meets their criteria.
Keep the following things in your mind to choose the right SaaS application and leverage cloud-based software to boost your corporate growth.
1. System Performance & Reliability
First of all, you need to review the system’s performance and make sure it meets your desired criteria. Only a fully-functional, professionally-optimized, and well-structured SaaS application can deliver your desired results. Although SaaS development companies perform rigorous testing before delivering the product, consumers must review the final delivery from the users’ perspective.
The best way to do so is to document performance data that outlines key features and capabilities of SaaS applications. Similarly, sign an enforceable service-level agreement with your SaaS business partner with clear expectations and business requirements. Likewise, carefully review the performance SLA and measure system performance through quantifiable figures.
2. Accessibility
Another important area companies should look at during the SaaS procurement process is checking the software’s accessibility. This unique quality differentiates SaaS applications from traditional software. The best SaaS application is universally accessible and allows users to connect to their dashboard anytime, anywhere.
Hence, make sure your SaaS application works properly without any downtime or interruption. Even a minor bug can disrupt your organizational operations and result in the loss of revenue. Moreover, always perform history checks to identify previous downtime occurrences before making the final decision.
3. Visibility
The third most important thing to be considered is how your SaaS application displays real-time data. One key aspect of cloud-based solutions is that they provide their users with actionable insights to make informed decisions. The visibility of data stored in SaaS applications becomes crucial to make data-driven decisions for better outcomes.
Therefore, always choose a SaaS application that offers real-time insights in an easy-to-understand format. Moreover, make sure that your SaaS partner has taken enough steps to ensure data privacy and store your confidential information in highly secure servers. Likewise, keep an eye on cybersecurity measures to thwart potential security threats and cybersecurity risks including phishing attacks.
4. Integrations
No SaaS software in today’s highly connected digital landscape can succeed without integrating with third-party systems. Hence, SaaS companies build cloud-based solutions with open APIs so that their users and build out third-party integrations to achieve their desired results. Even renowned tech giants like Google and Twitter also use this model of open APIs.
When reviewing different SaaS options, always check how many integrations are available. Besides, choose cloud-based software with open APIs so that you can extend the applicability of your system. This approach will significantly improve your organizational performance and allow your team to better leverage SaaS for long-term sustainability.
5. Compliance
Finally, only those SaaS applications are safe to use that are fully compliant with rules and regulations. It is, therefore, highly recommended to prefer only those SaaS vendors that strictly comply with legal obligations, policies, international standards, and regulations.
For this purpose, always read the detailed privacy policy page on the SaaS vendor’s website and review which policies are claimed to be compliant. For instance, if you are purchasing a SaaS application from a UK-based organization, make sure their platform complies with GDPR. If possible, ask for documentation to prove their claims and verify their submissions independently for extended security and protection.
Wrapping Up
Worldwide businesses, particularly startups, are struggling to cope with ever-changing regulations and financial issues. In this age of digital transformation where tech adoption is not more of a choice, SaaS applications are playing a key role in corporate growth. Cloud-based software systems help companies automate their operations and become more resilient without stretching their budget limits.
At the same time, choosing the right SaaS application is also critical to achieving the desired results. Hence, we discussed key aspects business owners should always consider selecting a SaaS application that meets their criteria.
These aspects include system performance & reliability, visibility, accessibility, compliance, and integration. Buying cloud-based software considering these five things can help you boost your corporate growth and achieve corporate excellence.