Software as a Service, better known as SaaS, is a type of cloud computing that offers users access to the cloud-based software being utilised by the vendor.
That means that rather than installing software and storing it on computers, it can simply be used over the internet from anywhere in the world and from any device.
It’s generally agreed that Salesforce released the first real SaaS software in 1999 with their CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software, and since then, the industry has absolutely thrived.
So much so, in fact, that SaaS has taken on many different forms, providing consumers with a plethora of offerings ranging from accounting and billing services to managing staff and human resources tasks and issues.
What is SaaS?
The main difference between SaaS and ordinary software is that it’s accessed and used via the cloud rather than downloadable software, and because of this, users pay for it on a subscription basis rather than as a once-off fee to download and use it.
SaaS platforms are scalable, providing great potential for growth and development for companies that use them, and they also perform automatic updates.
Overall, SaaS has become the most effective, efficient and budget-friendly way to use software in businesses, and so it’s no surprise that today, there is a whole range of different types of SaaS platforms that can be and are used by businesses.
Different Types of SaaS Platforms
With massive changes in tech and developments in different industries, plenty of new needs have arisen in terms of what SaaS can provide. With automation and smart technology, there are very few limits on what software can’t do – or at least make easier – for businesses.
Consequently, there are plenty of different types of SaaS platforms that do a variety of different jobs, along with a range of competing businesses filling out the industry. Of course, many of them overlap.
These are the main different types of SaaS platforms along with some of the best and most successful players in the industry.
1. Project Management
Project management SaaS platforms are intended to make the management of tasks for effective and efficient, helping employees and leaders plan, monitor and execute tasks.
The software normally allows users to allocate tasks to specific people, track project progress and more, creating a centralised place for all information to move through.
Two of the top project SaaS platforms include:
Trello
Founded in 2011, Trello allows for seamless project management without the need to handle multiple apps and programmes simultaneously.
Asana
Asana is hailed as a flexible SaaS option, suitable for both small and large companies, although with regards to price, it’s generally considered to be ideal for bigger organisations. It was founded in 2011 by a team of ex-Facebook employees.
2. Sales
Sales-based SaaS platforms cover everything to do with company sales, from lead generation and client prospecting to sales evaluations and actual outreach.
These platforms help businesses streamline the sales process, by automating every step of the process. This helps save time and improve the conversion rate of leads to actual sales.
A few of the most highly recommended sales SaaS platforms include:
Salesforce
Based in the US, Salesforce is one of the top competitors in the SaaS industry in general, having created excellent sales management software, along with plenty of other services, including CRM, marketing, analytics, e-commerce and more.
LeadIQ
LeadIQ, founded in Santa Clara in 2015, focuses on providing salespeople with accurate and tailored information on potential clients to eliminate the need for manual research and client tracing. This platform makes selling easier, more personalised and far more effective.
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3. Human Resources Management Software (HRMS)
Human Resources Management Software, abbreviated to HRMS, is one of the most commonly used types of SaaS platforms in business as it allows companies to manage personnel.
One of its most useful features is the ability to automate a broad range of tasks that are normally incredibly time-consuming, including tracking employee leave, monitoring employee performance, scheduling appointments and interviews and so much more.
Two of the most popular HRMS platforms are:
Bamboo HR
Bamboo HR is ideal for both small and medium-sized businesses, providing the opportunity to automate key functions, stay organised, streamline operations and easily keep track of everything and anything that needs to be monitored.
Rippling
Rippling allows HR management to automate tedious tasks, ensure compliance and so much more. All services are available from a single dashboard, allowing employees to save time and be more efficient.
4. Content Management Systems (CMS)
Content management systems (CMS) make it possible for ordinary people without specialised knowledge or skills to build and manage websites.
With the proliferation of the internet in the 1990s, the need for easy-to-build website solutions increased, and so did the CMS industry. Now, advances CMS allow users to build and modify professional websites easily and efficiently.
Some of the most popular CMS options include:
Wix
Wix is an Israeli CMS company that was founded in 2006 and has since become one of the most competitive businesses in the industry. It provides cloud-based web development services, providing advanced tools for creating HTML5 websites as well as mobile-optimised sites.
WordPress
WordPress is a web content management tool, allowing users to publish blogs as well as general websites, mailing lists, media galleries, forums and more. More than 43% of all websites are powered by WordPress today.
5. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERPs allow for the management and integration of key business processes across different departments, providing a centralised solution that consolidates and organises information from all over, including HR, manufacturing, finance and more.
The objective is to create a single system that allows for the streamlining of operations to enhance decision-making and improve overall efficiency.
These are two top ERP options:
Oracle NetSuite
Powered by industry legend Oracle, NetSuite is a cloud-based ERP software that helps businesses organise all data and operations, including customer relationships, financials, inventory management, e-commerce, CRM and more. It creates a centralised platform to ensure that all important information is kept in one place.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsft Dynamics 365 uses advanced technology including AI services to perform ERP functions. Powered by one of the most successful companies in the world, this platform has access to the newest technology, meaning that additional features are always being added.
6. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Customer Relationship Management CRM has become an integral part of running a successful business these days, as it allows for increased efficacy and efficiency in managing customer data.
Of course, the ultimate goal of effective CRM SaaS platforms is to build strong relationships with customers to keep them satisfied and maintain customer retention rates.
Among the most popular CRM SaaS platforms today are:
Zoho
Zoho, founded in India, provides a top software suite for businesses to manage customer data via the cloud.
HubSpot Inc.
Founded in 2006, HubSpot Inc. is an American marketer and developer of CRM services, providing users with marketing, sales and customer service tools.
7. Accounting and Billing Software
SaaS has changed the game in finances by properly and accurately managing figures, financial performance and the overall financial position of the business.
Since the software is automated, it’s able to keep track of all changes in real-time, implementing updates and ensuring that everything is accurate.
The upside of managing finances by means of SaaS is that since it’s done on the cloud, changes can be made in real time rather than having to be done manually, saving time and increasing accuracy and security.
QuickBooks
QuickBooks allows businesses to keep a close eye on finances including income and expenses, inventory, tax issues and more. It organises financial records and does so accurately, without introducing human error.
Xero
Xero is a New Zealand-based SaaS cloud accounting software that is particularly well-suited to small businesses. It can perform functions like payroll and basic bookkeeping functions anywhere, any time.