Looking for New Productivity Software? Try Software as a Service

Most businesses rely on software solutions in order to stay productive throughout the work day. Whether it’s a word processor, a spreadsheet builder, or simple data storage in the cloud, software is deeply ingrained in the modern business world. Shouldn’t your organization be taking advantage of it to its full extent? You can start by implementing Software as a Service.

You can think of Software as a Service like renting a house. Sure, you could go all-in and buy it in one go, but it would be an immensely expensive up-front cost. In order to make it more affordable, those purchasing a home acquire a mortgage, or simply rent the home rather than attempting to purchase it outright. These smaller, more affordable payments provide shelter in a similar manner while making it more accessible for those on a limited budget.

Here are four ways your business can take advantage of Software as a Service:

Communications
Cloud-hosted software solutions can be used to keep your organization connected via video or voice chat. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a perfect example. You can add new users and make changes to your service plan as your business grows, and you can access your telephone solution on any connected device with the application installed on it. Cloud-based messaging apps can also be used to similar effect.

Cloud-Based Email
Your business can use software as a service for your email solution, as well. Using a cloud-based email provider like Gmail or Microsoft Outlook allows you to add or remove users to your email server quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, you can expand the service at any time to accommodate growth.

Productivity Suites
The most notable use of software as a service comes from productivity suites. You might notice how services like Microsoft Office 365 and Google’s G-Suite are designed specifically “as a service.” In Microsoft’s case, you can purchase the entire Office suite at once, or you can purchase its individual parts. Better yet, you can pay for access to a cloud-based version of productivity software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, that is always up-to-date. This saves you plenty of money in the long run by providing continuous access to software solutions, without needing to update your license or take on additional capital expenses.

Virtualization
Basically, software as a service is a great way to virtualize and turn just about any software solution into a more efficient, scalable, consumable, and affordable form. The sky's the limit. How can your business benefit from Software as a Service offerings? To find out, reach out to Directive at 607.433.2200.