Middle East SaaS: Understanding Its Advantages and Disadvantages

Software as a service (SaaS) has become an incredibly popular business model. And according to these estimates, almost nine out of ten businesses are running multiple types or versions of SaaS applications. There is little chance for the boom to lose steam anytime soon. The fact that SaaS applications are already almost a given for any industry, users have been bombarded by their presence in business today. This is why enterprises must ready themselves to decipher the pros and cons of SaaS. Before we proceed, lets clarify what exactly is SaaS?

What is SaaS?

Software as a Service (SaaS) SaaS is a method of software delivery that allows data to be accessed from any device with an internet connection and web browser, by licensing it on a subscription basis and is centrally hosted. Software as a Service is usually accessed via a (web)browser, where users need to authenticate with an username and password. The program is available online instead of needing each person to purchase their personal.

As per GMI Research, the Middle East SaaS Market is predicted to expand at a robust CAGR during the forecast period till 2027

Advantages of SaaS

Many of the cloud computing products and services are not only seeping into every imaginable nook and cranny of our lives, they are also helping in making things much easier for users as well as businesses than traditional installed software. Take a look at the advantages of Saas.

Lower upfront cost

Users subscribe to the Software as a Service business model on a monthly basis. They have no need for expensive application development. So, businesses have no necessity to delegate these tasks to IT department. Software as a Service pricing models may differ based on usage and among service and support costs.

Provides the same security standards

Since all data is housed offshore on a cloud server, local crashes or bugs are also less likely to result in lost data for all users, courtesy of the cloud. The same rules apply for businesses both large and small.

Offers clients fast commissioning and so forth

And the user is hoisted into action simply by going on line rather than the necessity of shipping software packages and providing licences.

Easier to access

Thanks to cloud-based computing, SaaS apps require nothing — hardware or software — beyond a browser the internet and user authentication. Indeed, everyone can access such resources from anywhere and at any time. Generally, less labor in obtaining is cheaper and brings forth more.

Disadvantages of SaaS

However, SaaS has its own disadvantages. These are not exactly deal breakers, but can make things complicated. Here are the SaaS cons.

Poor data security

Security is one of the biggest fears for businesses considering a SaaS application. We have to solve issues like Identity and access management before we go ahead with exposing these secrets to a third-party. We must be especially careful, particularly with mobile access.

Control still a problem

On-premise software management is more under the company’s control compared with externally hosted solutions. After all, there is a third party pulling the strings. SaaS apps generally require every one to use the latest version of the software. The updates and changes to the functions cannot be postponed or delayed, and everything has to be tested.

Risk of service termination

You cannot continue using the service if the SaaS provider goes bust or unfortunately, decide to shut down their servers for other reasons than going under and in theory all of your data along with documents may be wiped out. Delivering bad SaaS One other note - it isn't common for the service to just up and die, and (more than likely) most providers of such services will give you reasonable notice about termination so that you can find someplace else to put your data on.