10 Extraordinary Examples of SaaS Applications

Quixy Editorial Team

April 5, 2024

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.

What is a SaaS?

SaaS is the most popular cloud-based service among three types – SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

A software-as-a-service (SaaS) model 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.

Why are SaaS apps so popular?

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:

Work from Anywhere

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.

Cost Efficiency

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.

Scalability

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.

Automatic Updates

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.

Rapid Deployment

Traditional software implementations can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. SaaS apps are usually ready for use shortly after subscription, allowing businesses to implement new solutions quickly.

Accessibility and Collaboration

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.

Security and Compliance

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.

Reduced IT Burden

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.

User-Friendly Interfaces

SaaS apps typically feature intuitive user interfaces designed for ease of use. This reduces the learning curve for employees and enhances user adoption.

Global Accessibility

SaaS applications can be accessed globally, making them ideal for businesses with international operations, remote employees, or customers in different time zones.

Trial and Flexibility

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.

Innovation and Upgradability

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.

10 Popular Examples of SaaS Applications

1. SalesForce

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: 

• Monitor leads and gathers information.
• Improve sales by tracking insights.
• Boost the productivity of your sales team.
• Leads should be engaged directly. 
• Collaborate with sales representatives to create email campaigns.

The main features are as follows:

• Managing contacts
• Management of opportunities
• Collaboration in sales
• Monitoring and managing sales performance
• Managing leads
• Automated marketing
• Statistics on sales
• Management of partners

Launch Year: 1999

USP: Provides innovative solutions for managing customer relationships and sales teams across the board.

2. Zendesk

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.  

The main features are as follows:

• System for tracking tickets
• Live chat and messaging
• Analyses and reporting
• Software for customer service 
• The answer bot
• Forum for the community

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.

3. Zoom

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.

The main features are as follows: 

• Chats and meetings
• Workspaces and rooms
• Systems for phone calls
• Webinars via video
• The marketplace
• Platform for developers

Launch Year: 2012

USP: As a free cloud video conferencing service, Zoom offers HD video conferencing, mobility, and web meetings all in one.

4. Dropbox

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.

The main features are as follows: 

• Store and access files from anywhere.
• Allows you to create and edit your work, including cloud content and Microsoft Office files.
• Provides desktop experience with smart content suggestions.
• Notifies of progress updates and to-dos added to descriptions.
• Connect your tools (Slack, Zoom, HelloSign, and other Dropbox integrations) to Dropbox.
• Paper, a collaborative doc for your team-create content easily and organize your projects using timelines, to-dos, and tables.

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?

5. G Suite

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.

The main features are as follows: 

• Provides every user with a professional email address.
• Stores everything Cloud.
• Get high-quality Google apps like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and more.
• Search across apps with powerful Cloud storage.
• Flexible account management.
• Data management with Google Vault.
• Offline apps that are ad-free and mobile-responsive.

Launch Year: 2006 

USP: With G Suite, you can collaborate on the same document with your team members in real-time.

6. Quixy

Quixy is a no-code 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 applications 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.

The main features are as follows: 

•  The platform is available for offline usage
• Manage tasks easily and effectively
• No-Code App Development
• Process design to create custom workflows aligned with business objectives.
• Generate documents.
• Combine data from many apps, data tables, or a combination of both
• Provide actionable insights into trends, resource utilization, etc., for informed decision-making.
• Every user can build and configure their dashboard.
• Secure and scalable

Launch Year: October 2019

USP: Automate business processes and workflows and build enterprise applications 10X faster with No-Code Digital Transformation software.

7. Slack

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.

The main features include:

• Connect Slack with over 2,200 other services, such as Google Drive, Office 365, and more.
• Flexible communication through chatting, sending audio and video clips, or joining a huddle to talk things through live.
• Work faster by switching tabs less.
• Automate routine actions and communications, so you can focus on the work only humans can do.
• Using your encryption keys, you have complete control and visibility over your data in Slack.

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.

8. Box

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. 

The following are the main features: 

• Compliance and security
• Workflow and collaboration
• Integration of apps
• Suites for enterprises

Launch Year: 2005

USP: Secure collaboration with anyone, anywhere, on any device

9. Netflix

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.

The following are the main features:

• Original titles
• Huge content library.
• Seamless streaming experience.
• Parental controls.
• Original content
• Multiple profiles.
• Great video quality. 
• Download content.

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.

10. Intercom

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. 

The following are the main features: 

• Messenger for business
• Customizable bots
• Answers are generated automatically
• Tours of products
• Help Center Articles
• Account-Based Marketing
• Apps + Integrations

Launch Year: 2011

USP: Personalized conversations and automated support are provided by Intercom to over 25000 global organizations.

Is Your Business Too Small for SaaS? Exploring the Benefits for All Sizes

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.

Scaling Up or Down? How SaaS Adapts to Your Growing Needs

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.

6 Myths About SaaS Busted by No-Code Low-Code Tools

SaaS platforms have revolutionized how businesses operate, but some myths persist. Let’s see how no-code low-code tools are shattering these misconceptions:

Myth #1: SaaS is only for large enterprises.

Myth Buster: No-code/low-code tools offer affordable, scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes. Small teams can build custom apps without hefty IT budgets.

Myth #2: You need coding expertise to use SaaS.

Myth Buster: No-code tools require minimal coding, while low-code offers some coding flexibility. Drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components make app creation accessible to citizen developers (business users with limited coding experience).

Myth #3: SaaS platforms lock you in with vendor lock-in.

Myth Buster: Many no-code/low-code tools offer open APIs and data portability, allowing you to integrate with other systems and easily switch vendors if needed.

Myth #4: Customization is limited with SaaS.

Myth Buster: No-code/low-code tools provide a surprising level of customization. You can tailor workflows, user interfaces, and functionalities to meet specific business needs.

Myth #5: Security is a concern with SaaS.

Myth Buster: Reputable SaaS providers prioritize security. They offer robust data encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications to keep your data safe.

Myth #6: SaaS applications are slow and clunky.

Myth Buster: Modern SaaS platforms are built for speed and performance. Cloud-based infrastructure delivers scalability and responsiveness, ensuring a smooth user experience.

No-Code Low-Code tools empower businesses to

• Become more agile: Quickly build and deploy custom applications to address evolving needs.
• Reduce development costs: Eliminate the need for extensive coding resources.
• Boost innovation: Democratize app development, allowing non-technical users to contribute.

By debunking these myths, no-code low-code tools are making SaaS solutions accessible and empowering businesses to take control of their digital transformation.

Conclusion

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 develop 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)