It is vital to comprehend the differences between hosted software and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). It is so because in this manner you would select the option that best suits your needs. In simpler ways, SaaS is a service that you pay and hosting is a product you own. SaaS also knew as software on demand is a leading platform that is involved in providing access to software via the internet. It is such kind of a platform which one can install without buying a license. Moreover, SaaS applications can be accessed securely by multiple customers. On the other hand, hosted primarily implies that you buy your software from a reputed publisher. You then have to install the software at a hosting center. Subsequently, you can implement the solution at your desired location or office.
A brief overview of SaaS and Hosted
The applications of SaaS can be accessed securely by multiple customers. However, the customers have to pay a certain amount of monthly usage fee. When using SaaS model, the data of all clients are stored in the same database. However, the data of each customer is accessible only be themselves. It means that no third party can access others data by a security breach. Hence, regarding security, SaaS is reliable.
Moreover, since this is a single instance of software, personalization can be carried out by you to change the system setting. However, customization is limited in SaaS. On the other hand, hosted usually means customer purchase and owned the software. In the case of hosted solutions, each client is treated differently. Moreover, each client is treated differently with individual access to servers, software, and databases.
Recommended Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Software As A Service (SaaS)
Some fundamental differences between SaaS and Hosted
You can access SaaS anywhere. It is due to the fact that the context of software installation is absent from the side of the user. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access SaaS from anywhere in the world. It may be expensive in the long run, but its practicality usually outweighs its costs. Another attractive point in accessing SaaS is that all the customers can gain access to the same kind of software updates. Moreover, they can get these updates at the same time. On the other hand, SaaS lacks IT maintenance and troubleshooting. Hence, you so do not have to lay more emphasis on the maintenance activities of SaaS.
SaaS means:
● Free of technical participation by the clients
● Reliability
● Cost-effective. However, it can be costly when used for an extended period of time.
On the contrary, hosted implies you to install the software via a hosting center. It is typically cheaper in the long run, and it also requires a large payment in the upfront. If you are opting for hosted solutions, then always keep in mind that it comes with other potential long-term fees. It includes monthly hosting costs and software maintenance. Besides that, you also have to emphasize various server maintenance activities. However, even if you do not pay for the continued maintenance, you can still use the latest version you have purchased.
Also Read: Cloud Hosting Vs. Web Hosting: Differences
It is also interesting to note that hosted software is secure as there is the option to block up data regularly. Hence, in hosted solutions, you do not have to worry much about data loss. It is also important to note that reliability is often limited by the hardware on which the hosted solution is being installed. It can be directly downloaded and installed on the servers of the company.
It all depends on all the resources of your company but comprehending each model would help you to decide the right type.
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