SaaS is a popular model because it allows businesses to reduce IT costs and increase flexibility. So much so that 80% of companies will switch their systems to SaaS by 2025. Developing a SaaS application and outsourcing SaaS development proved to be the best bet to mitigate risks and deal with common SaaS development challenges.
The primary reason is that SaaS applications have numerous benefits, from automation to third-party integrated database management. However, with these benefits come specific SaaS development challenges that must be addressed before making the switch.
What Is SaaS Application Development?
The building of cloud-based apps is known as SaaS application development. It involves the design, development, testing, server deployment as well as production of documentation.
A SaaS application is software users can access and use over the internet. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) are the most common SaaS applications.
This software is typically delivered through a web browser or a cloud-based platform.
Advantages of a SaaS Application
There are plenty of reasons why a company should develop a SaaS application. The most common advantages of this type of software include:
- Reduced costs. Choosing SaaS eliminates numerous costs for companies. For example, companies don’t have to pay upfront costs for purchase and installation. Also, there are no expenses such as maintenance and upgrades associated with SaaS.
- Effective time management. Users don’t have to invest time installing and maintaining a SaaS app. The virtual installation requires only an internet connection and login credentials, and the maintenance is shifted to the vendor.
- Good scalability and accessibility. SaaS applications are easy to scale up or down as business needs change. They can also be accessed from anywhere at any time, as long as there is an internet connection.
- High compatibility. SaaS applications are built to work with a variety of systems and devices.
- Amplified security. When it comes to security, SaaS applications are often more secure than on-premises software. Also, SaaS solutions can keep an organization’s corporate information safer compared to conventional software.
- High adoption rates. SaaS applications are accessible and require little to no training. As a result, users are more likely to adopt and use the app, which leads to increased productivity.
What are the Challenges for SaaS Application?
Despite all the advantages of SaaS applications, some SaaS development challenges must be considered before making the switch. The most common SaaS challenges include:- Custom third-party payment integration issues. SaaS applications must be integrated with a third-party payment processor to accept payments. This can often be challenging, as many different payment processors are on the market.
- Issues with keeping safe and well-defined database access that is GDPR compliant. As more and more companies adopt the SaaS model, data privacy concerns are amplified. To ensure data is safe and compliant with GDPR regulations, businesses must have a well-defined database access strategy.
- Issues with guaranteeing zero-downtime deployment. When deploying a SaaS application, ensuring there will be no downtime is essential, as it can lead to losing revenue and productivity.
- SaaS subscription lifecycle management issues. The subscription lifecycle includes everything from sign-up to cancellation, so addressing these issues is necessary to ensure ultimate user satisfaction.
- Customizable system issues. One of the advantages of SaaS applications is that they are easily scalable. However, this can also be a challenge, as businesses must ensure the app can meet their changing needs.
SaaS Application Trends
The following trends are the most significant ones in the SaaS industry right now:- Prevalent micro-SaaS solutions. The micro-SaaS model is becoming increasingly popular, allowing companies to create and deploy small SaaS applications quickly and easily.
- Widely adopted native advertising. A type of online advertising designed to blend in with the surrounding content, native advertising is becoming increasingly popular since it is less intrusive than other forms of advertising.
- Rise of machine learning. Machine learning is becoming more popular in the SaaS world, as it can be used to improve user experience and make recommendations.
- Data solutions featured in SaaS. As data becomes more and more important, SaaS applications are being developed to help businesses manage and analyze their data more easily.
- Vertical SaaS solutions. Vertical SaaS solutions are designed for a specific industry or market. They are becoming more popular as they can provide a more customized experience for users.
- Priority of the mobile-first approach. The mobile-first approach is becoming increasingly important, as people predominantly use their smartphones to access the internet.
The Basics of Successful SaaS Application Framework
For a SaaS app to be successful, a few key components must be considered during the SaaS development process.Front-end Architecture
Your front-end architecture is what your users will see and interact with first. It needs to be well-designed and easy to use.Your SaaS app front-end architecture should:- Use a front-end framework commonly utilized to build and maintain rich web apps such as Angular, React, or Vue.
- Make the most of MUI, Bootstrap, Semantic UI, or Tailwind CSS to design sleek and engaging UI.
- Use a clean API so that other modules can be integrated later on.
- Make sure the app adopts a mobile-oriented approach.
Backend Architecture
Your backend architecture is what will power your SaaS app. It needs to be well-designed and scalable.Your SaaS app backend architecture should:- Use a feature-rich programming language like Python, C#, or Java to offer good performance and easy scalability.
- Implement a reliable database that will keep your user data separate for security purposes.
- Include a robust ecosystem of related SaaS apps or features.
- Adopt a cloud-based PaaS that will ensure cost-effective scalability and resource allocation.
Process of Building a SaaS Application
Building a SaaS application is carried out in several steps.
Step 1. Idea Generation and Validation
The starting point of developing SaaS applications is the idea. After you come up with a project, it’s necessary to conduct an extensive market survey and define technical parameters for the app.
Once this is done, you can start working on the prototype for the application and its compliance with regulatory laws.
Step 2. UX/UI Design
After the idea is validated, it’s time to start working on the app design. UX refers to the creation of a blueprint for the application. UI stands for the visual look and feel of the application.
Both UX and UI need to be given due importance during the design process. The app should be easy to use and navigate while also being visually appealing.
Step 3. Development and Testing
App development is done by a team of developers who code the app according to the blueprint created in the previous step. Developers commonly use one of the most popular development methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, Lean, Waterfall, and feature-driven development.
Once the development is complete, the app needs to be tested for bugs and errors. This is done by a team of testers.
Step 4. Product Launch and Maintenance
Launching the app is done by making it available on various platforms with DevOps management.
Once the app is live, it is essential to define the maintenance budget and ensure continuous technical support so that users don’t experience any issues while using the app.
Step 5. Product Scaling
Once the product is launched and used by many users, it’s time to make plans for scaling the product.
This is done by collecting feedback from users, adding new features and functionality, and increasing the scalability of the existing infrastructure.
This allows the app to handle a larger number of users without any decrease in performance.
Now that you know the steps involved in building a SaaS application, let’s examine typical examples of SaaS applications.
Best SaaS Application Examples
Here is a list of widespread SaaS application examples that will give you an understanding of how to push your company in the right direction.
Salesforce
Salesforce is a popular CRM software that helps businesses manage their customer relationships. The app offers contact management, sales, and marketing automation.
In 1999, Salesforce’s revenue was $26.45 billion (2022).
Zoom
What makes Zoom stand out from all the other similar apps are its top-of-the-line features and easy-to-navigate interface. This video conferencing tool offers features such as HD video and audio, screen sharing, and more.
Launched in 2011, Zoom’s revenue is $1.06 billion (2021).
Slack
Slack is a communication tool used by businesses of all sizes. It offers many features, such as messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and more.
Launched in 2013, Slack’s revenue is $273 million (2022).
HubSpot
HubSpot is a popular marketing and sales application that helps businesses attract, engage, and delight customers. It offers contact management, email marketing, live chat, and more features.
Launched in 2006, HubSpot’s revenue is $1.3 billion (2021).
Shopify
One of the best-known eCommerce platforms, Shopify, is one of the SaaS application examples designed to help businesses create and manage their online stores. It offers features such as inventory management, order processing, website creation, and more.
Launched in 2006, Shopify’s revenue is $4.6 billion (2021).
As you can see, each of these applications offers a unique set of features that help businesses in different ways. Developing such an app requires plenty of dedication and expertise. Contact ClickIT for more information on how we can create a custom-made SaaS app for your business needs.
Now that you know some SaaS application examples, the next step is to choose the right partner for the job.
How to Choose the Ideal Partner to Build Your SaaS Application?
You can opt for an in-house team or work with external partners. Here are several options available for SaaS development.
In-House Development Team – $120,000
If you have the budget and want complete control over the development process, then an in-house team is the way to go. You will need to hire developers, testers, and other professionals who will work on developing the app according to your specifications.
Local Development Agency – $180,000
If hiring an in-house team is not what you’re looking for, you can always choose a local (in your city/country) development agency. These agencies tend to do an excellent job, but they charge high rates, especially in high-income-earning countries.
Freelance Developers – $45,000
Freelance developers are a great option if you’re on a tight budget. You can find plenty of talented developers on sites like Upwork who will be willing to work on your project for a lower rate. However, working with freelancers can be risky as you have no control over their work quality or timeline.
Outsource Development Agency – $60,000
An outsourced development agency is a way to go for those who want high-quality services at reasonable prices. These agencies are based in countries such as Ukraine and offer high-quality services at a fraction of the cost.
So, an outsourcing development agency seems like a gold mine regarding price, security, and service.
Take a look at our slideshow to know which option is better for you: in-house vs. outsourcing
6 Reasons Clients Choose ClickIT for SaaS Application
Interested in outsourcing to a development agency? Here are several reasons why ClickIT should be your choice:
- Our services are budget-friendly yet highly effective.
- We work to make clients feel like we are in-house engineers.
- We prefer to hold daily Scrum meetings with every client.
- We focus on securing our client’s assets and information.
- We count on a fast and simple contracting process.
- US businesses are exempted from the 30% withholding.
Conclusion
SaaS development is no easy feat. It requires plenty of dedication and expertise. But, with the right partner by your side, even app development becomes an easy feat.
ClickIT can help you find solutions to all SaaS development challenges. Our SaaS development services will ensure you get a tailor-made solution for your needs. Contact us for a detailed consultation, and let’s kickstart your project today!
FAQs
A SaaS (Software as a Service) application is software users can access and use over the internet. This software is delivered through a web browser or a cloud-based platform, allowing businesses to reduce IT costs and increase flexibility.
With these examples of SaaS apps, you can understand how to push your company in the right direction.
-Zoom: video conferencing tool
-Slack: Communication tool used by businesses of all sizes.
-HubSpot: Marketing and sales application that helps businesses attract, engage, and delight customers.
-Shopify: eCommerce platform to help businesses create and manage their online stores
SaaS applications have numerous benefits, from automation to third-party integrated database management, high compatibility, and amplified security. It requires plenty of dedication and expertise. However, with the right partner, your app development becomes easier.
Step 1. Idea Generation and Validation
Step 2. UX/UI Design
Step 3. Development and Testing
Step 4. Product Launch and Maintenance
Step 5. Product Scaling
You have several options for building a SaaS app. Therefore the cost varies.
For example, an In-House Development Team can be around $120,000, a Freelance Developer $45,000, and an Outsource Development Agency $60,000. Each one has its benefits and downfalls do need to do the proper assessment to choose the correct one for you.
