Starting and running a small business is all about staying focused on the small business and not on running your office. Software-as-a-Service applications allow you to do exactly that. On the other hand, maybe you just feel unsure of whether the whole SaaS thing really works.
Below you will find some of the benefits detailed to help you make up your mind if this kind of technology is for you.

1. No More Software Installation.

Since the software comes to you via your internet browser, there is no need to install anything. Your printer will also work with software without installation or any modifications.

2. Software is always up to date.

This really is one of the main benefits of SaaS. The SaaS provider make all the software updates on servers, so you don’t have to do anything. No update hassle and worry anymore. There are no “Update available – Please download” messages and no CDs / DVDs updates arriving in the mail.

3. Never pay for software “updates” again

No matter if provider update or bug-fix, you will never have to pay for them again, it is all part and parcel of the service. Artificially accelerated software cycles are a thing of your past.

4. Fully Compatible with any Operating System.

The software runs on any Operating System (OS) with Linux, Mac, Windows and some others – you login and use it.

5. Work and collaborate with anyone, anytime and anywhere.

Software allows you to work with your accountant, colleagues, virtual assistants and others in real-time at anytime – whatever your business needs.

6. No commuting. No time wasting.

With online technology you can work from anywhere, so no need to travel to an office. Run your small business from home and benefit in terms of time, money and investment.

7. No security problems. No business interruption problem.

Your data are probably continuously backed up onto multiple data servers in multiple physically and network secure data centers – if that is not enough you can make a copy of your data anytime onto your PC or a CD. Should your computer crash or get stolen, just log on to another computer and keep working.

8. Permanent support

In case you need some support for the products, you do not need to be afraid if your administrator is not available on-site, or just feels a sick. Somebody must be always near your software and give you a real answer.

9. No contract needed

No minimum term, cancel anytime, and probably no contract needed. This puts you in control. Unlike the boxed software you buy, once you paid for it, it’s yours including the problems.

10. Drive down Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The vendor takes on the costs and risks of purchasing, maintaining and operating all of the infrastructure required to run the applications. This includes things like DB licenses, SOA platforms, security software, and a lot more. The SaaS vendor also operates the system, handling security, tuning, backup, upgrades, maintenance, disaster recovery, etc. SaaS vendors also spend lots of money and resources on operating procedures, SLAs and guarantee things like uptime, performance, security and quality of service. See LiveSupportSaaS for example.

Software-as-a-Service products help you to concentrate on your business. This makes your business more mobile and competitive while saving you time, money and helping the environment.

When you run a small business and personal business, like contractors, freelancer, self-employed, sole-trader and virtual assistants you probably benefit even more from using SaaS technology – program your business for success.