Kickin' SaaS and Web 2.0

So you have herd about Web 2.0 applications and Software as a Service (SaaS), but what do the really mean and how can they help your business? Well the idea behind Web 2.0 is that instead of having your software running on your local machine, it runs on a web server and is accessed using a web browser. SaaS is related in that instead of paying for the software that runs on you local computer you pay for an account that allows you access to the Web 2.0 software online. Web 2.0 has been around a while, for instance, web based email is an application that I am sure most of you have experienced.

The concept of Web 2.0 and SaaS has been gaining new momentum in recent months, with behemoths like Google getting into the act. Google Apps Premier Edition, an alternative to Microsoft Office, was launched in back in February. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as the amount of people with a high speed connection increases the software running on the internet becoming more complex. Mission critical applications like enterprise, customer relationship, content management, and even accounting software are making the transition. Don't make the mistake that SaaS is only for us consultants running our business out of a small office. Big companies, like General Electric are buying into the idea. They recently deployed Google Apps for all of their employees. At $50 a year per user, they figured they are saving about a $100 bucks per user per year in software and IT costs. That is a big chunk of change considering how many employees GE has. The advantages to Web 2.0 and SaaS are.

1. Reduction or even the elimination of an IT department. Because there is no need to constantly update software packages (that is done behind the scenes on the server itself) the management of a network becomes a lot easier. Basically all you need is a computer with an internet connection and you're good to go.

2. Reduction in the cost of hardware. Again, all you need is a computer with an internet connection.

3. Reduction in the cost of software. Most of these software packages are offered at reasonable monthly rate.

4. Your system can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connect. This is especially helpful for companies with an outside sales force. Sales orders can be placed at a coffee shop wifi zone instead of having them tuck all the way back to the office. This, in theory, will allow them more time to sell, but who are we kidding. It allows them more time to go shopping, go on an afternoon hike, or even cut out early for the weekend. Sorry sales folks, but you know it's true.

5. Backup is taken care of on the web server. If your computer crashes your life isn't over. All you need to do is find another computer log in and vawala.

6. You can easily handle many locations on one system. Each location just needs an internet connection.

If you'd like to learn more about how SaaS can help your business, contact me for a free consultation.

WOODRIDGE

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Kickin' SaaS and Web 2.0