As the digital transformation accelerates, more companies are turning to online solutions and Software as a Service (SaaS). One of the most admired and equally adopted business models is Software as a service, which has been proven to provide increased ROI for both the company and the users.
SaaS application development solutions have covered almost every niche, from software development to entertainment and finance, and today, you can see examples of SaaS applications everywhere.
Explore how established and emerging SaaS models are revolutionizing the software landscape.
SaaS is the most popular cloud-based service among three types – SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.
Saas stands for software as a service (SaaS) model, which hosts applications on a cloud server and distributes them to users via the internet. Using this model, an independent software vendor (ISV) can host their application on a third-party cloud provider. Cloud providers can also be software vendors with larger companies like Microsoft.
Typically, SaaS customers pay a monthly subscription fee to access the application. Subscriptions vary depending on the amount of data to be stored, the level of technical support needed, or the number of users.
Like Google Drive & Slack, many popular SaaS-based services are free with some restrictions. Entrepreneurs began spreading the SaaS concept in the 90s. Over 60% of companies are already using the cloud for all processes. The projected annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2028) for revenue is anticipated to be 7.69%, leading to a market size of US$374.50 billion by 2028.
What makes SaaS application development so popular is the benefits it offers. Let us look at some of them:
SaaS apps are accessible via web browsers, eliminating the need for complex installations or downloads. Users can access the software from any device with an internet connection, making it convenient and versatile.
SaaS follows a subscription-based model, allowing businesses to pay for what they use on a recurring basis. This eliminates the need for upfront hardware, software licenses, and maintenance investments, making it more cost-effective, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
SaaS applications can easily scale up or down to accommodate changing business needs. Organizations can add or remove users and features as required without the need for significant reconfigurations.
SaaS providers handle software updates and maintenance, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features, security patches, and improvements without any manual intervention.
Traditional software implementations can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. SaaS apps are usually ready for use shortly after subscription, allowing businesses for rapid app development implement new solutions quickly.
SaaS apps enable real-time collaboration among geographically dispersed teams. Multiple users can work on the same document or project simultaneously, enhancing productivity and teamwork.
Reputable SaaS providers invest in robust security measures and compliance certifications, offering data encryption, regular backups, and adherence to industry regulations. This often surpasses the security measures of individual businesses.
With SaaS, the responsibility of infrastructure management, software updates, and troubleshooting rests with the provider. This allows businesses to focus on their core activities rather than IT maintenance.
SaaS apps typically feature intuitive user interfaces designed for ease of use. This reduces the learning curve for employees and enhances user adoption.
SaaS applications can be accessed globally, making them ideal for businesses with international operations, remote employees, or customers in different time zones.
Many SaaS providers offer free trials or limited versions of their apps, allowing businesses to test the software before committing. This trial period helps ensure compatibility and suitability.
SaaS providers continuously innovate to stay competitive. This means users benefit from evolving features, functionality, and integration options that adapt to changing business requirements.
Let’s quickly dive into the popular examples of SaaS Applications.
Salesforce, one of the most popular b2b SaaS examples, is an American cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) services and software. Besides customer service, analytics, marketing automation, and application development, it also offers enterprise applications.
To increase customer loyalty and satisfaction, Salesforce spends an average of 37% on its customer sales tools.
In addition to connecting businesses with existing customers, Salesforce allows them to interact with stakeholders. You can use Salesforce’s services to:
Launch Year: 1999
USP: Provides innovative solutions for managing customer relationships and sales teams across the board.
Zendesk is a cloud-based platform that is an example of a SaaS application that allows representatives to respond more efficiently to incoming customer requests via any communication channel – email, web, social media, phone, or chat.
In addition to the basic chat version, Zendesk also includes a call centre and knowledge base so that you can cover all your bases right from the start.
Despite being free, businesses can quickly scale this live chat tool to meet their growing needs. When their business requirements become more complex, they can upgrade to advanced IM tools such as widget branding, conversation tracking, web SDK, CSAT surveys, and answer bots.
Launch Year: 2007
USP: Zendesk is a service-first CRM company that builds support, sales, and customer engagement software designed to foster better customer relationships.
Zoom is a cloud-based video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinar platform that is easy to use, reliable, and affordable. Due to the pandemic and remote working’s popularity, Zoom’s popularity skyrocketed in 2020. Virtual communication is primarily used by freelancers, teams, and businesses of all sizes for personal and professional purposes.
In addition to virtual video and audio conferencing, users can set up screen-sharing, live chats, distance education, and webinars through this platform. The Zoom video conferencing software is available as SaaS and is easy to set up.
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. is a communications technology company headquartered in San Jose, California. Because of its popularity and usefulness in enabling users to collaborate from anywhere, Zoom has found a strong place in the popular examples of SaaS applications. A major focus of Zoom’s Software is video telephony and online chat.
Launch Year: 2012
USP: As a free cloud video conferencing service, Zoom offers HD video conferencing, mobility, and web meetings all in one.
With Dropbox, you can store files, sync them with your cloud, and use the client software. Dropbox creates a special folder on the user’s computer that keeps all files together in one place. Dropbox’s servers and other devices where the Dropbox software has been installed sync the contents or files of this folder now.
The site uses a freemium business model, meaning users can sign up for a free account and pay for additional storage and features if they wish.
Through password-protected links, Dropbox users can invite teammates to access any folder and send specific files and images. It slashes costs, improves scalability, enables easy upgrades, and saves businesses time to focus on what they do best: running their business.
Launch Year: 2007
USP: Ability to share files and photos with multi-language support.
Also Read: aPaaS vs IaaS vs PaaS vs SaaS. How do they compare?
Using the SaaS applications that Google offers, businesses and individuals of all demographics have gained a better way of life. Google Suite now offers applications that need no introduction, such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive. Your familiarity with all of these SaaS examples demonstrates the importance of these SaaS apps.
With its comprehensive product line, G Suite offers a comprehensive ecosystem for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises. Unlike its competitors, it is available on all devices and works with Android.
Launch Year: 2006
USP: With G Suite, you can collaborate on the same document with your team members in real-time.
Quixy is a no-code saas software platform that empowers citizen developers to solve unique challenges and bring ideas to life. With its ability to allow users to create applications without writing any code, Quixy stands out in the examples of SaaS platform list. Creating simple, complex workflows with Quixy’s easy-to-use visual interface takes just a few minutes.
Most organizations can benefit from the platform’s ready-to-use apps for common processes. These Apps can be used as-is or customized based on your organisation’s needs, such as applicant tracking systems, employee onboarding systems, leave management systems, project management systems, IT service requests management systems, travel and expense management systems, CRM systems, etc.
Launch Year: October 2019
USP: Automate business processes and workflows and build enterprise applications 10X faster with No-Code Digital Transformation software.
The SaaS application development solution Slack is one of the most prominent examples of SaaS applications. It is a business communication platform that offers a wide range of features.
With privacy protection and complete end-to-end encryption security, this includes both private messages and group discussions.
Slack offers a perfect medium for communication and collaboration in situations where an email is too much (too formal) and messaging apps are too informal. Many companies use it as their virtual headquarters due to its simple interface and integration with various apps.
Launch Year: 2013
USP: With Slack, you can communicate with your team in a new way. Compared to email, it’s faster, more organized, and more secure.
Using Box, teams can securely collaborate anywhere, anytime, on any device. Through Box, users can securely collaborate on and share large files via a traditional link or custom URL and safeguard vital documents and data with password protection and permissions.
There are three types of Box accounts: Enterprise, Business, and Personal. Users can preview content before downloading with this Software, which supports more than 120 file types. A centralized file is used for sharing, editing, discussing, and approving content, and users are notified when changes are made.
Using advanced security features, intelligent threat detection, and comprehensive information governance, Box protects your sensitive files in the cloud. To work together with complete peace of mind, get everyone on the same page in one place.
Launch Year: 2005
USP: Secure collaboration with anyone, anywhere, on any device
Netflix Inc. is an American streaming service that combines subscriptions and productions and is one of the most used SaaS applications worldwide. Its offerings are award-winning television shows, movies, anime, and documentaries. There are millions of Netflix users worldwide, making it the most extensive entertainment and media brand in the world.
They began renting DVDs through the mail as part of their business model. In 2007, they launched streaming media and videos in response to customer demand. The company’s headquarters are in Los Gatos, California, in Santa Clara County.
Netflix’s entire value proposition is based on its ability to provide its customers with high-quality entertainment throughout the day. A comprehensive catalogue of content, including diverse content, is included in this promise. The service offers on-demand streaming and 24/7 access and is free of advertisements.
Launch Year: 1997
USP: With Netflix, you can watch a wide choice of familiar network shows, as well as original series, films, documentaries, and specials that are not available anywhere else.
With Intercom, businesses can build communication and engagement with their customers through behavioural targeting and user intelligence. By using Intercom, you can gain valuable insight into who is using your products and services.
Using the Software, you can create personal communicators and send targeted, behaviour-driven emails and messages within the app.
The solution can acquire, engage, and retain customers more efficiently. Your sales, marketing, and support teams will be able to communicate with customers efficiently and will be able to help your business grow exponentially over time.
Launch Year: 2011
USP: Personalized conversations and automated support are provided by Intercom to over 25000 global organizations.
SaaS is a perfect fit for businesses of all sizes. Startups can benefit from the affordability and scalability of SaaS, while established businesses can streamline operations and free up resources for growth. Also, SaaS solutions often offer tiered plans to cater to the specific needs of a growing company.
Unlike traditional software that requires expensive upgrades or complex downgrades, SaaS solutions are inherently scalable. Simply adjust your subscription plan to accommodate your changing needs. This flexibility allows your business to adapt to growth or changing circumstances without worrying about software limitations.
Selecting the ideal SaaS (Software as a Service) platform is a critical decision that can significantly impact your organization’s productivity and growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:
By following these steps, you can confidently select a SaaS solution that aligns with your business goals, simplifies workflows, and delivers value.
As a service example, the Software is truly inspiring. Business today would be impossible without popular SaaS examples like Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Services. SaaS must be used to grow your business and provide other services, such as fast deployment, ease of use, cost efficiency, ready access, and lower infrastructure costs.
When developing your own SaaS product, the examples above can provide you with inspiration and ideas. As SaaS are not all created equal, make sure you follow the companies’ paths very carefully. Find out how you can replicate their business model.
You need another SaaS even if you are developing software. The Software cannot be built without one, and it works like that. You will probably find a suitable SaaS for your company from the above list. Otherwise, there’s always a proper fit. Continue to look.
SaaS stands for Software as a Service. It refers to a software delivery model where applications are hosted and provided to users over the internet. Instead of installing software locally, users can access and use the software through a web browser, typically on a subscription basis.
Some popular SaaS examples include:Salesforce: A cloud-based CRM platform.
Slack: A collaboration and communication tool.
Dropbox: A cloud storage and file-sharing service.
Zoom: A video conferencing and online meeting platform.
Shopify: An e-commerce platform for online stores.
Quixy: A no-code platform that let’s you build apps without coding.
Several factors contribute to the success of a SaaS company.
These include:
1. Offering a valuable and innovative product or service.
2. Providing excellent customer support and user experience.
3. Continuous product updates and improvements.
4. Effective marketing and sales strategies.
Unlike traditional software, which is installed and maintained on individual devices or servers, SaaS operates in the cloud. SaaS allows users to access and use the software through the internet without the need for local installation. It typically offers subscription-based pricing, automatic updates, and scalability, while traditional software often requires upfront licensing fees and manual updates.
Using SaaS offers several advantages, including:
1. Accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.
2. Lower upfront costs and predictable subscription pricing.
3. Easy scalability and flexibility to add or remove users.
4. Automatic software updates and maintenance.
5. Enhanced collaboration and real-time data sharing.
6. Reduced IT infrastructure and management requirements.