According to the reports of BetterCloud, 86% of the companies will move to SaaS applications in the upcoming years. There is a chance that you are already using a SaaS application released by those companies. There are three questions that we’ll target in this blog.
- How to develop SaaS products?
- Why is SaaS getting a lot of attention?
- Challenges when creating SaaS products?
SaaS application is taking the world by storm, and if you are thinking about how to build a SaaS app, you can get an expert opinion from the link mentioned.
Table of Contents
Why is SaaS getting a lot of attention?
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a method that diminishes complexity. Instead of installing software, a user can experience all the features using the web services.
Not only that, SaaS applications are relatively budget-friendly. With this, there is no need to buy expensive hardware. Since it is a web-based solution, an active internet connection and you are good to go.
There is another reason for the popularity. That is the scalability of SaaS applications. SaaS applications thrive in the database environment. These applications get mature with the help of collected data. An integrator can analyze the collected data and can make changes to the application. Then, those changes can be applied using the OTA updates.
Lastly, SaaS applications are already configured. The back-end of the application is available on the cloud service. A developer can easily call the instance, and a new updated version will be available in a couple of hours. This feature reduces the time in configuring and installing. Moreover, it also diminishes the barriers that can occur during the deployment.
Challenges when creating SaaS product
Yes, SaaS applications are good. But, they are challenges associated with these types of applications. Moving data from local servers to the cloud is a complex task. That is not it. There is more to SaaS.
Zero downtime strategy
In the SaaS world, availability is the biggest factor, and it plays an important role. The app’s availability while updating to the latest version is an art.
Zero downtime deployment is a strategy used to minimize website downtime. There are two methods that you can use to minimize website downtime.
- After hours deployment method
- Green-blue deployment strategy
Whenever you create Software as a Service, it is essential to minimize the website/application downtime when it is in updating mode. Either you can update after hours, or you can switch from one production environment to another. Whatever the method, updating the app/website should be done in such a way that the impact on the users is as minimum as possible.
Managing the security
With SaaS applications, data is transmitted every second. There is a high chance of data leakage and exposure to malware. That is a concern that stops companies from implementing 100% SaaS. According to the report, SaaS environments are more prone to external access. That is why you should be concerned and secure your SaaS app from all sides.
A dedicated team
Every time you develop a SaaS solution, you are attempting to do something that is not yet feasible on the market. And for that, it’s critical to have a dependable workforce that is knowledgeable about the sector and capable of making wise selections. The largest problem facing SaaS organizations is a lack of accountability and expertise. This results in the product failing. The basic truth is that SaaS relies on a team that is prepared to invest their time in a distinctive product.
How to develop SaaS product?
Now, let’s talk about the steps to building a SaaS product. Before starting, there is a point that you need to consider. Creating a SaaS product requires a lot of patience and dedication. If you can place that on the table, surely you will witness the results.
Now, let’s talk about the steps to building a SaaS product.
Do the research
The first important step towards building a successful SaaS product is doing market research. Thorough research will give you an idea about what your audience is asking, who the opponents are, and what pricing suits the market. While you are doing the research, consider every aspect and minute detail of the market.
Figure out the plan
Once you are done with market research, it is time to bring that information on paper. Try to ask these types of questions
- What is the selling point?
- How will you market the product?
- What audience are you targeting?
- Are there any budget barriers?
Build a beta version
There is a reason why SaaS companies go for beta versions rather than the full version. Beta versions have two major advantages. First, it helps companies understand how users are reacting to the product. And the second is it helps companies in gathering vital information about their targeted customers. With a beta, you will be left with filter information, and that information can be used to develop a full-fledged product.
Hire SaaS team
After you have the vital stats, you can proceed toward hiring SaaS developers. When doing that process, do consider these pain points.
- The skills of developers
- Their knowledge
- The cooperativeness
- Their industry experience
Do the paperwork
After you have selected the potential developer for your product, start the paperwork. Do add necessary clauses like non-compete or bond in the contract so that your product information stays under the chamber.
The verdict
No doubt, SaaS is changing the way companies conduct business. However, learning about how to develop SaaS product is not as easy as it seems. There is a need to have a good grip on what is happening in the industry. Plus, you have to make sure that users are getting what they are expecting. Honestly, developing a SaaS product can become daunting, but on the bright side, it can give you profits that are way beyond imagination.