What Differentiates SaaS Platform From Standard Software Applications?

Written By
Ravi K Nair
Technical Content Strategist
Last updated at September 30, 2022
What Differentiates SaaS Platform From Standard Software Applications?

When we talk about software, the two primary types are SaaS platforms and standard software applications. But how are these two types contradicting one another?

 

Regular software programs are installed on a user's computer, whereas SaaS platforms are web-based, installation-free, and accessed using a web browser.

 

We will go into great detail about the distinctions between SaaS platforms and standard software applications in this article. So, if you're curious about what distinguishes a SaaS platform from a typical software program, keep reading!

 

What is SaaS?

 

SaaS or software-as-a-service also called cloud-based software allows users to associate with and utilize apps over the Internet. SaaS is revolutionizing the manner we operate the software. 

 

With SaaS, customers can relate to and use cloud-based applications over the web. It eradicates the requirement for pricey hardware and software since all of that is brought by the service provider.

 

Read Also: Pros and cons of SaaS

 

The best part about SaaS is that you just pay for what you use. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a license for software that you might only use sometimes. Additionally, SAAS enables your business to launch an app rapidly and affordably.

 

What are Regular Software Applications?

 

Standard software applications are installed on people’s systems or phones. The most typical kind of regular software application is an executable file that executes locally on the desktop or laptop.

 

It implies that you will require to install and sustain the server hardware, database management systems (DBMS), operating system, network bandwidth, and safety components mandated to support these applications. 

 

Read Also: A Workflow of the Typical Software Development

 

Additionally, you will require to buy and install the software authorization for each user. And eventually, you will require to familiarize your users with how to utilize these applications.

 

What Differentiates a SaaS Platform From Standard Software Applications?

 

Now that we have described both SaaS platforms and common software applications, let’s compare the two in a more detailed way.

 

Installation

 

SaaS platforms do not demand any installation, you just require to do is sign up for the service and you can begin utilizing the app. On the other hand, regular software platforms require installation.

 

It indicates that you will install and uphold the database server, operating system, management systems for databases, network capacity, and protection elements required to sustain these applications.

 

Customization

 

When we talk about customization, SaaS platforms are not as adjustable as standard software applications. Standard software has the capability to be customized according to your business demands.

 

For instance, if you desire an ERP application that has unique characteristics for your manufacturing procedure, then you will require a regular software application since most of these components are not available on SaaS software.

 

Further, if you want an uncomplicated CRM application with no customization demanded, then operating a SaaS platform is your best alternative since these platforms are developed to be easy to use and affordable.

 

Supervision

 

The supervision of standard software applications requires more struggle than a SaaS platform. With traditional software, you will require to maintain the hardware of the server, operating system, database administration, network capacity, and safety segments.

 

It can be a challenging and troubling task for small enterprises with limited resources. SaaS platforms do not demand any of this upkeep as all of that is carried by the service provider.

 

Price

 

SaaS applications are usually more affordable than common software applications since most of them propose a monthly subscription standard. Regular software, in contrast, demands purchasing a privilege for each customer which can be more pricey especially if you have multiple users in your organization.

 

Nevertheless, the expenses for regular software applications are declining as more and more organizations move to the cloud.

 

Functionalities

 

SaaS applications generally have limited functionalities compared to traditional software applications. Nevertheless, this is modifying as more and more SaaS organizations are adding characteristics to their platforms. 

 

For instance, Salesforce just integrated Einstein AI into its platform, allowing users to employ AI in their business operations. The majority of conventional software programs offer a variety of functions that SAAS platforms do not.

 

Architecture

 

SaaS software platforms are created on a multi-tenant architecture which indicates that all users convey the same application model and database. Standard applications, on the other hand, have a one-tenant architecture where the users have their own server hardware, operating system, and database management.

 

It drives regular applications more pricey to operate since you require to buy and install the software authorization for each user.

 

Rights on Data 

 

With a SaaS application, you do not hold the data that is held in the application model or database. The service provider possesses all of the data and can employ it at any time without your permission. It should be a primary concern for enterprises that are keeping sensitive data in a SaaS platform.

 

With standard software applications, you possess the data and can employ it at any time without the service provider’s authorization. It is a significant consideration for corporations that require to keep their data protected.

 

Adaptability 

 

SaaS applications are not as adaptable as regular applications. Multiple SaaS platforms have a fixed count of users that they can sustain. As your enterprise develops, you will require to buy more licenses for the platform which can get pricey.

 

Standard software applications are scalable and can keep any number of customers without any extra cost. It makes them more appropriate for enterprises that require adding new users on regularly.

 

Security 

 

Traditional software applications have a single-tenant stricture so all users have their own servers, hardware, operating system, database, etc. It drives them more helpless to hackers as they only require breaking one server in order to utilize all of the data.

 

SaaS applications also have an elevated risk of data violations due to their multi-tenant structure. All users share the same platform which makes it more straightforward for hackers to access it.

 

Conclusion

 

The bottom line is that SaaS applications are differentiated by their emphasis on delivering a better user experience and creating it easier for consumers to get up and operate.

 

If you’re glimpsing for a company software application, make sure to question how the platform functions and what type of client support they proffer.

 

By understanding the critical characteristics that differentiate SaaS applications from common software applications, you can make a more knowledgeable decision about which alternative is best for your business requirements. Also, get in touch with Noetic IT Services today if you need more assistance in this context.

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