Six factors to consider in Software as a Service (SaaS) development

Software as a service (SaaS) has emerged as a globally popular business model for developing web and mobile applications, with numerous success stories. SaaS delivers software applications via the cloud and enables businesses to operate at an unprecedented scale, resulting in a stacking effect for revenue and high multiples in valuations

Why Might Your Company Need SaaS Development?

A faster and more reliable Internet, as well as lower barriers to entry into multiple markets, has given the green light for a new generation of SaaS tools, establishing SaaS as a new trend that is rapidly evolving. Because of its remote connectivity and management, software as a service has had a significant impact on the information technology world
With an annual growth rate of 18%, SaaS solutions are one of the fastest-growing IT industry segments. SaaS models, which are subscription-based and centrally located on a remote cloud network, are quickly becoming the preferred solution for many organizations. While the pandemic had a significant impact on global business and the economy last year, cloud computing has continued to grow at a rapid pace
The primary reason businesses prefer a SaaS-based architecture is that it provides them with scalable and robust cloud applications at a lower cost per use. SaaS applications enable businesses to become more flexible and agile in a highly competitive and challenging marketplace. Using the SaaS model is also a fundamentally faster way to increase business value. However, when hiring a SaaS development company, an organization must consider these six factors

1. Multi-Tenancy

Multi-tenancy is a type of software architecture in which a single instance of an application serves multiple customers, allowing developers to use a shared infrastructure and codebase to economically extend their services across clients. A multi-tenancy architecture also makes application maintenance easier for developers. However, security is a top priority because multiple tenants share a common infrastructure, putting each other at risk of data loss, misuse, or privacy violations. Your SaaS application development company is responsible for ensuring that your application, which is built on a multi-tenancy architecture, enforces authentication and authorization in order to provide access to sensitive data. A SaaS platform with tenant management and data management modules is the best solution

2. Scalability

Traditional applications limit the number of users, whereas modern SaaS applications, which use a cloud-hosted application and a database that is built to be scalable to handle the load, allow an unlimited number of users to access the application. When it comes to SaaS applications, the database size grows in tandem with the number of users and transactions, affecting database performance and resulting in longer transaction times and poor user experiences. A well-designed SaaS application allows you to easily handle scenarios in which multiple users access the same data. SaaS applications built on cutting-edge technologies and infrastructures, including load-balanced servers and a strong layer between data and application, ensure that the backend data scales independently of the business logic and presentation layers.

3. Security

A critical aspect of a SaaS application is security, which is primarily ensured by the SaaS application development company and the cloud infrastructure provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). Modern SaaS application architecture ensures that your company's data is separated and accessible only to those who need it. Data security and integrity are primary concerns for organizations considering a SaaS transition, preventing most businesses from migrating to the cloud. The Security-by-Design (SbD) security approach allows the SaaS application developer to incorporate an infrastructure design that automates security controls, allowing you to build security at every level of the IT management process. The SbD approach is not new, but the rise in public cloud adoption has increased its importance.

4. Integration

A well-designed SaaS application integrates with other applications via APIs. An experienced SaaS application development company ensures that the APIs required for integration with other SaaS or on-premise applications are available. Third-party developers can use the APIs made available to them to extend the capabilities of the SaaS platform. To foster marketing and customer support interactions, the SaaS model seamlessly integrates with CRM and ERP solutions such as Salesforce Sales Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales, SAP CRM, and Oracle CRM on Demand. However, while integrating APIs adds value to the SaaS platform, all precautions must be taken to avoid exposing the APIs to security risks

5. Alignment of Technology and Business Model

In some cases, the business model imposes technical design constraints on the SaaS application, with resource usage being the primary issue. The most recent SaaS applications allow resource usage to scale in tandem (or at a slower rate) with revenue. Another factor to consider is a company's billing model. If you bill at a metered rate, your SaaS application accurately reports the basis for that metering.

6. Minimal downtime

Aside from your internal systems and networking teams, your SaaS application development company is responsible for ensuring minimal downtime. While most SaaS application development service providers guarantee 99% uptime, some even guarantee 99.9% uptime. However, according to multiple reports from IDC, Gartner, and others, companies experience an average of 12 incidents of unplanned application downtime per year

Here are some scenarios that your SaaS application must handle in order to provide continuous service:

1. Database or application servers are unavailable.

2. If a third-party server is unavailable, only that portion of the functionality is unavailable

Because downtime is so expensive, disaster recovery planning is essential for organizations to mitigate risks. Furthermore, rather than affecting your application's live environment, request that your SaaS vendor test your disaster recovery plan in a temporary environment. Other precautions that businesses should take or request from their SaaS application vendor to reduce the risks associated with frequent downtimes include:

1. Timely upgrades and security patches

2. Debugging or troubleshooting

3. Server restoration including files-only, bare metal, and VM snapshots

Chennai, also known as the Southern Gateway, is quickly becoming The Gateway for SaaS businesses. The unrivalled growth rate of the Chennai start-up economic model, particularly in the SaaS segment, is truly admirable.

Chennai and Coimbatore’s start-up scene has experienced a massive boom. It has created a robust and flourishing ecosystem for itself. And within it, both new and established businesses are well on their way to paving the way for change.

Surprisingly, the majority of the companies in Chennai and Coimbatore's start-up community are SAAS businesses. As a result, the past few years have not only seen the rise of unconventional businesses. However, there has been a significant increase in the number of businesses that provide software services.

However, software development and solutions are not the only industries thriving in Chennai & Coimbatore. Despite its small size, the city has a growing industry for analytics and artificial intelligence enterprises that provide customized solutions to a variety of organizations and businesses.

SaaS apps are frequently regarded as the heart and soul of IT, and they have much to offer businesses of all sizes. Software as a service, when used correctly, can help your clients save money, time, and human resources. It can also improve focus and productivity by eliminating software maintenance and incompatibility issues. SaaS can also help increase employee engagement, allowing them to work safely, stay productive and motivated, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.

With three successful SaaS implementations, DJ Computing helps organizations to achieve digital transformation.