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Software-As-A-Service FAQ

1.  What is Software-As-A-Service?

Software-As-A-Service (or SAAS) refers to computer based applications and services that are provided via remote delivery to end users rather than as a packaged product to be purchased and installed by the end user. 

With SAAS, you access your software-based services or applications using a web browser.  You pay for these services on a monthly per-user and/or per-service subscription basis.  The cost of the hardware and infrastructure that hosts the software, the right to use the software, and all maintenance and support services are included in the monthly subscription fee. 

This class of solution may also be referred to as "Software-As-Services" or SaS.

2.  Can you summarize the advantages of the Software-As-A-Service approach?

Yes.  Software-As-A-Service applications provide a number of significant advantages.

1.  Anytime, anywhere access – Running the applications only requires access to a web browser and support software like the free version of Acrobat Reader.  (We use Intacct for our own firm accounting and particularly like the freedom to access our data, approve expense reports, approve checks, and perform other tasks from locations other than our offices. 

2.  Subscription based – You pay for the applications on a monthly subscription basis.  There are no upfront software purchase fees.

3.  Cost effective – The applications do not require large systems expenditures for servers, server installation, or other hardware and software.  You do not have to have hire an IT staff (or an IT Service Provider) to perform the many tasks associated with large in-house systems.  The SAAS application provider takes care of all system upgrades, maintenance, backup, storage, and security.  

4.  Easy to maintain – There are no additional maintenance costs and no maintenance  upgrades for you to install.  The software is automatically upgraded as needed with no effort on your part.

5.  Automatic, off-site backups - We all know we should backup our critical data, but, too often, we do not do backups on a regular basis.  Most SAAS applications  perform a backup every day and store the backup data in the secure, remote  datacenter.

6.  Customizable – The software is highly customizable so that each user has access only to the components which they need. 

7.  Sharable – Data can be shared with staff and other business partners.  However, you control who has access to what data.

8.  Secure – The applications are hosted off-site in limited access facilities - in the case of Intacct, these are the same facilities used by Fortune 500 companies for their critical applications.  As previously mentioned, frequent (daily) back-ups of your data are automatically performed at the off-site facility.  Many SAAS application vendors use the same mission-critical security and privacy protections as those employed in online banking - a level of security generally far beyond what most small to medium businesses can afford to implement on their own.

9.  Faster deployment – Since there is no server setup and limited Internet access and desktop computer setup, an SAAS application can be up and running quickly.  After initial sign-up, WJH will configure your system so it is compatible with the way your business functions today. We will setup users and permissions, upload legacy data, and train your staff. And, anytime you have a question our staff, as well as the SAAS supplier customer support team, is standing by to help.

10.  Easier, more available training – Web-based training sessions are available along with the ability to communicate with a support person as needed.

11.  Faster innovation – The products are updated more quickly so you get the benefit of the latest innovations.  For example, a typical desktop computer application may have a major release once a year (or less) with several "updates" between major releases.  Each release requires the user to acquire and install new software.  SAAS applications can have releases on a much more frequent basis (weekly is not unusual).  The release are performed at off-hours and require no action on the part of the user.  Because the releases are more frequent, they are much smaller.  This means they are easier to test and are less likely to have bugs that get through the testing system.

3.  How does SAAS compare to other ways of delivering software solutions?

The following table compares conventional software applications that are purchased and installed on your desktop or your local server with Software-As-Services applications. 

4. Does "On Demand" and "Application Service Provider" mean the same thing as SAAS?

SAAS can be thought of as an improved version of the older Application Service Provider (ASP) technology.  One of the key improvements is that newer infrastructure tools enable SAAS solutions to be more closely tuned to the characteristics of Internet-based computing.  The result is better performance and service.

On Demand is a phrase used by many companies (like IBM) to describe a set of products and services.  SAAS is a key tool in achieving On Demand capabilities.

Potential users of SAAS (or ASP or On Demand) need to realize that not all of the services offered are created equally.  As SAAS has gained in popularity, a number of vendors have refurbished existing desktop applications so that they can be delivered over the web.  While these vendors sometimes refer to the refurbished products as SAAS, there is a significant difference between true SAAS products that were designed as SAAS from the beginning and the refurbished products.  These differences particularly show up in areas such as performance, security, and ease of updates.

 5. How do you ensure my data is secure?

Since your information is stored with us, we are responsible for providing the best security possible for your data. Our state-of-the-art SAS70 Type II Certified data centers meet most industry compliance standards required for hosted applications.

Software as a Service offers a great advantage when it comes to security. When making the decision between hosting In-house and Software as a service, the question you should ask is, “Can we ensure our own security?” If the answer is “no” or you are concerned by the complexities behind the compliance standards you require, please give us a call and let us know your needs. We can work with you to provide a SaaS solution that meets your specific security standards.

6. Big companies can invest so much more on their SaaS technology. How can I possibly compete with them as a small business owner?

Proquest’s principal partners provide service levels affordable across the whole spectrum of business size. Whether you’re a one-man shop looking for an entry level solution or a corporate enterprise seeking a large-scale server farm, we are dedicated to providing consistent and expert-level service at a low monthly cost.

As yet another advantage of Software as a Service, regardless of your size, you will receive exceptional support from each of the Principals IT engineering staff. You can expect Fortune 500 IT support, even on a SMB budget.

As a small business owner, you gain numerous advantages with SaaS. Imagine a single, predictable cost without expensive upgrades or hidden fees. You will receive simple, straightforward collaboration tools that improve your internal operations.

7. Why should I consider SaaS?

Thousands of companies worldwide are moving their solutions from in-house to Software as a Service solutions. This has enabled businesses large and small to reap the benefits of professionally hosted services.

If you have any other questions, please contact uu