SAAS platforms

Modern digital tools make business operations easier and more efficient. For example, managing clients in CRM is much more convenient than in a regular table, and it is most advisable to organize internal processes using ERP systems. But there is a nuance here. Development and support of such software products is not a cheap pleasure. To regularly update the software and improve its functionality to suit its needs, a company may need its own technical department.

The solution to this problem was products distributed under the Software as a service model, or SaaS for short.

It assumes that the software is supplied to the company as a service, and its owner acts as a provider and receives a regular fee for its maintenance. In simple words, SaaS platforms help businesses save money. After all, he does not need to spend resources on purchasing a license, developing or developing software – he receives a ready-made solution that can be quickly deployed and started to be used in work.

Due to their accessibility, such platforms have become very popular in the market. In this article, we’ll show you how to take advantage of this trend and launch your own, in-demand SaaS product.

If the benefits for companies that use SaaS solutions are simple – they get an effective product, quickly and at a low cost, then it’s worth talking in more detail about the benefits of vendors. Let’s look at the main ones point by point:

• Regular income. The SaaS model is designed primarily for long-term cooperation with clients. Therefore, you will be able to receive a stable stream of profits instead of one-time rewards.
• Saving resources on software improvements. A development company can focus all its resources on the promotion and development of one specific product. This is much easier than maintaining dozens of different applications, separate for each client.

• Centralized update. All improvements and new functions are implemented into the project centrally, which is quite convenient and fast.
• Simplified distribution. Selling a finished product is much easier than selling an individual development. After all, the application is already ready, and you can allow potential clients to try it out in practice by providing a trial period or trial version. As a result, your sales will increase significantly.

If you decide to launch your own SaaS application, the first thing you need to do is decide what business problems it will solve. Here it is better to rely on universal software that can be used in different areas of business. It is also possible to create highly targeted software, but it must be applicable to most companies in a particular industry.

Let’s consider several optimal options:

• ERP platforms. These are very large systems for resource management, covering all areas of the enterprise. As a rule, ERPs are developed as On-Premise solutions – within the company’s own IT infrastructure. However, there are vendors that provide such products under the SaaS model, including SAP, Microsoft, IFS and Oracle. The advantages of cloud ERP are accessibility, convenience and portability. They allow companies to optimize their internal processes and quickly adapt to changes in the market with minimal expenditure of resources.

• CRM systems. Cloud CRM will help companies improve customer interactions, increase marketing effectiveness and increase sales.
• SCM. This is a SaaS application for supply chain management. They will help enterprises more effectively manage procurement, production, delivery of goods and reduce the cost of organizing staff work.
• WMS. The implementation of SaaS warehouse management systems is necessary to optimize warehouse logistics, increase the throughput of premises and automate manual work. The target audience for this solution is all enterprises with their own warehouse infrastructure.
• HR platforms. Cloud platforms for HR management will make the work of recruiters much easier. They will be useful almost everywhere, from finding suitable candidates to arranging vacations, sick leave and resolving other current issues.

SaaS applications provide centralized data storage and are aimed at providing multi-user access to their capabilities. Therefore, when implementing them, it is worth choosing a reliable stack that can withstand high loads and ensure the proper level of security. Taking this into account, when implementing such projects we can use:

• For web applications: HTML/CSS/JavaScript or Vue.js/React.js frameworks for the front end. Python/PHP and Django/Flask/Yii2/Laravel frameworks – for the backend.

• For desktop applications: Python/PHP/Java/C++ languages and Django/Flask/Yii2/Laravel frameworks.
• For mobile applications: native Java/Kotlin/Swift languages or cross-platform Flutter framework and Dart language.

The technical implementation of a SAAS platform is often carried out according to the iterative Scrum methodology and consists of several successive stages:

• Information gathering and research. To create a truly in-demand SaaS application, it is important to take into account the interests of the target audience. In other words, the idea must be supported by market research and competitive data. Therefore, when starting work on a project, our team studies the client’s request and conducts a thorough market analysis.
• Prototype. At the next stage, the idea takes shape. That is, a prototype of a SaaS application is created, which includes: interface warframes, a table describing the functionality, block diagrams of modules and technical documentation. In fact, such a mockup allows you to more accurately evaluate the project idea and its relevance, formulate the correct budget and determine more accurate development timelines.

• Design development. A unique interface design is drawn taking into account UX/UI. Priority is given to the convenience of future users and recognition of the platform.
• Software development. Specialists build the project architecture and implement all the functionality. This stage can be divided into two components: frontend and backend development. In the first case, a client part of the platform is created with which users interact, and in the second, a server part is created, which is responsible for storing and processing data.
• Testing. Comprehensive software testing for bugs and compliance with initial plans.
• Technical support and development. The SaaS model itself implies constant development and improvement of the platform. Therefore, to solve this problem, the product connects to our qualified technical support.

According to statistics, 48% of companies in Eastern Europe are already using SAAS platforms in their work, and another 31% are planning to use them. This suggests that the market is still being formed, and investments in this direction will be quite appropriate. But it is worth considering the high bar. After all, here you will have to compete with giants such as Microsoft, SAP and others – depending on the chosen niche.

Therefore, in order to increase the chances of success of the platform, we suggest entrusting its implementation to AVADA MEDIA. We have been creating and implementing high-load services in a variety of business areas for more than 10 years, which allows us to guarantee consistently high quality and speed of development.