Making the switch to cloud Software as a Service (SaaS) can offer a variety of benefits, such as lower electrical bills and maintenance costs. Implemented properly, SaaS can be an inexpensive, flexible solution for your business. However, if hastily implemented, cloud-based software can leave your firm in a very difficult situation.
#1: Vendor Flexibility
One of the earliest and most critical mistakes a firm can make is becoming "locked in" with a specific SaaS vendor. In this scenario, the firm is forced to accept the vendor's terms as well as its potentially non-competitive rates. Flexibility is a key component of SaaS's attractiveness—the firm should be able to purchase software services as needed, or easily switch to another provider if the current service level is unsatisfactory.
#2: Data Integration
Another issue that can prevent successful SaaS deployment is failing to integrate data. According to data from a 2010 report, as many as 20% of SaaS deployments had failed or were failing due to the inability to integrate data.
#3: Contingency Plans
Finally, contingency plans should be made for outages and downtime, in case employees cannot access essential software programs. Management should ensure that, if something goes wrong, business can carry on as usual.
With some strategic planning, cloud software implementations can be worthwhile investments, saving businesses costs and offering higher levels of application functionality and workflow collaboration.
Giva offers flexible, highly customizable SaaS solutions that can help your firm get the most out of the SaaS advantage. Visit our case studies page to see these advantages at work!