Software as a Service (SaaS) is one of the most admired and adopted business models, providing increased ROI for companies and users alike, creating a win-win situation for all involved. Gartner predicts that by the end of 2021, end-user spending on public cloud services will reach $396 billion, projected to increase by 21.7% in 2022 to $482 billion, with approximately $171 billion of this occupied by SaaS.
From software development to the entertainment and finance industries, SaaS application development solutions have permeated almost every niche. Today, many examples of SaaS applications are visible around us. Before diving into popular SaaS examples and their companies, let’s first understand what exactly the Software as a Service model is and why so many businesses are inclined toward investing in it.
What is a SaaS (Software as a Service) application?
There are three major cloud-based services: SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS, with SaaS being the most popular. It is a cloud-based model in which all the maintenance work of software, including updates, delivery, and improvements, is managed by the operating organization. Users only need to pay subscription charges on a monthly or yearly basis. Many popular SaaS-based services are available for free with certain limitations, like Google Drive and Slack.
Why Have SaaS Application Development Services Become So Popular?
The most remarkable feature of web-based SaaS apps is that anyone around the globe can access the data by simply logging in. This means there is no need to store data on a computer's hard drive. Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Anyone with an internet connection and login credentials can use the software.
In this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, these SaaS applications have grown enormously to cater to the needs of remote working teams. Besides the cloud-based data storage advantage, essential for remote teams, let’s look at other perks that make these SaaS application development solutions even more convincing.
Benefits of SaaS Applications:
- Low initial cost: Developing custom software is expensive and time-consuming. SaaS applications reduce initial costs and are more affordable.
- Reduced time: SaaS applications save time as all updates and improvements are handled by the provider, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.
- Scalability: SaaS applications are subscription-based, offering flexibility to change plans according to needs.
- Try and use: Many premium providers offer free trials, allowing users to try the SaaS app first and pay only if it meets their needs.
10 Popular Use Cases of SaaS Application Development
Now let’s look at popular examples of SaaS apps and see how big brands and startups have revolutionized the IT industry by providing successful SaaS applications.
1. Salesforce
Salesforce is a top cloud-based CRM (customer relationship management) platform aimed at boosting sales by managing leads and prospects in one place.
- USP: Offers comprehensive solutions for CRM and sales team management.
- Launch Year: 1999
- Revenue: $33.954 billion (2022)
- Website: Salesforce
2. Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing platform that gained popularity during the pandemic for virtual meetings, conferences, webinars, and events.
- USP: All-in-one video communications platform with a user-friendly interface.
- Launch Year: 2011
- Revenue: $4.527 billion (2023)
- Website: Zoom
3. Google Workspace
Formerly known as G Suite, Google Workspace offers applications like Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive, essential for businesses and individuals.
- USP: Comprehensive product line available on all devices, connected with Android.
- Launch Year: 2006
- Revenue: $305.63 billion (2023 - Google Cloud)
- Website: Google Workspace
4. Slack
Slack is a business communication platform offering private messaging, group discussions, file sharing, and end-to-end encryption.
- USP: Ideal communication and collaboration tool with app integration.
- Launch Year: 2013
- Revenue: $273 million (2023)
- Website: Slack
5. HubSpot
HubSpot is a CRM focused on inbound marketing, offering sales processes like social media marketing and content management.
- USP: Automates marketing and sales efforts with easy access to relevant information.
- Launch Year: 2006
- Revenue: $2.17 billion (2023)
- Website: HubSpot
6. Shopify
Shopify is a CMS for eCommerce stores, allowing retailers to create functional websites with various plans.
- USP: Enables users to set up e-commerce platforms with built-in SEO and multiple payment gateway integration.
- Launch Year: 2006
- Revenue: $7.06 billion (2023)
- Website: Shopify
7. SAP Concur
SAP Concur streamlines travel and expense management services into complete automation.
- USP: Effective expense management platform accessible via web, smartphone, or tablet.
- Launch Year: 1998
- Revenue: €31 billion (2023)
- Website: Concur
8. Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud offers applications for graphic design, web design, and photo & video editing.
- USP: Access to creative apps like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator with team collaboration.
- Launch Year: 2000
- Revenue: $11.5 billion (2023)
- Website: Adobe
9. Netflix
Netflix is a subscription-based streaming service offering a variety of television shows, movies, anime, and documentaries.
- USP: High-quality, diverse content with on-demand streaming and no advertisements.
- Launch Year: 1997
- Revenue: $33.7 billion (2023)
- Website: Netflix
10. Atlassian Jira
Jira is a project management tool for developers and project managers to track and manage software development workflows.
- USP: Suitable for various users with integration capabilities for effective project management.
- Launch Year: 2002
- Revenue: $3.5 billion (2023)
- Website: Jira
Final Thoughts
SaaS signifies a new way of doing things, allowing you to reach a larger audience, launch apps quickly, and streamline business operations. SaaS software allows you to focus on core businesses while removing the hassle of maintenance and upgrades. This is why the number of SaaS development agencies has nearly tripled in recent years.
For software providers, SaaS offers recurring revenue, faster release cycles, regular upgrades, stronger customer relationships, and more efficient maintenance. Thus, SaaS is a win-win for all parties involved. As long as we have the internet, the demand for SaaS will only continue to grow.
For more information, visit Facile Technolab.
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