Digital Sabre’s TRAKR

Charlotte-Based Company Launches New SaaS App: Digital Sabre’s TRAKR Keeps Track of Vehicles and Profits

Custom application developer Digital Sabre has developed a new SaaS enabled application called TRAKR. TRAKR is a GPS enabled, fleet and Mobile Workforce management solution delivered on a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. It helps you bring efficiency across your operations from gaining insight to where your vehicles are to assigning tasks to your service people.

Read the full Press Release on PRWeb

Going Saas one Step at a Time

The One-Step-at-a-Time Approach to SaaS

Despite the hype of the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) deployment model, software companies are somewhat apprehensive and for good reason; the problems encountered by early adopters are an indication that the technology has not quite reached its full potential.

There is another approach to implementing SaaS, however, and that is taking it one step at a time. While this may not be a ‘plug and play’ formula that can be applied to each and every company, it does reflect a logical, managed journey towards SaaS, albeit cautious. Suggested here is a step-by-step approach to implementing SaaS configurations.

Step 1: Do a feasibility study

A feasibility study is the first thing you should do and it’s probably one of the most neglected yet critical areas. Before you go ahead and start developing the next salesforce.com, do an analysis from an objective perspective. Ask questions such as: Why should the company consider moving in to a SaaS model as opposed to sticking with the traditional delivery method. Does SaaS deliver make sense for the business? You should also conduct a benefit analysis and research the degree of flexibility needed, plus potential risks that may arise and any licensing-related issues that may affect both delivery models.

Step 2: Set goals and objectives for the SaaS application

You have determined that developing a SaaS application makes sense. Now set goals and objectives to measure the effectiveness of the application. Pen what you want to achieve through a SaaS delivery model. Also at this time, make a tentative marketing and sales plan. This can be reviewed and altered at a later date, if needed.

Step 3: Consider the costs and the cash flows

The business model for SaaS is different than that of traditional software models. One of the most important dissimilarities is the nature of cash flow. Large, upfront licensing expenses are replaced by pay-as-you-go subscription costs. A SaaS operator should also pay special attention to the potential fixed cost that will be incurred such as continuous support to the application.

Step 4: Develop a Strong SLA

We cannot over emphasize the importance of a strong Service Level Agreement (SLA) in this industry. An SLA acts as a safety net for any software company as well as SaaS provider. And when the software is provided as a service, an SLA becomes even more vital. A rock solid SLA serves a duel purpose for the SaaS provider: (1) it will add to your credibility as a reliable vendor, defining the services and support that will be provided and (2) an SLA will clearly outline the limitation of your obligation towards clients (or should we say tenants?).

Step 5: Build the Team

Software as a Service – see the word “service” in there? Make the service memorable and you have a winner. Delivering a superior SaaS experience depends, to a great extent, on the level of service the company offers. The application needs to be backed by a strong team of support personnel and a customer support center. Make sure you can sustain your software with superior service levels by putting together a team who can handle the challenge. And don’t forget to bring your current team up to speed on what’s required to succeed as a SaaS company and procure their buy-in.

Step 6: Plan the Project

Before you start developing your SaaS application, there is one more step to consider – and it’s an important one. Draw up a project plan and set clear milestones. Remember, these are not the same as what may apply to a traditional software project. Proper planning will ensure your project succeeds with minimal delays and problems along the way.

Like to know more about how to manage a SaaS application development project? Give Digital Sabre a call today at 704-944-5525 for a free consultation. We’re here to help.

Would you like to read this article on our website? Click the links below:

Part 1: http://www.digitalsabre.net/approach-to-saas

Part 2: http://www.digitalsabre.net/become-a-successful-and-reliable-saas-provider

What is the Philosophy of SaaS?

SaaS (Software as a Service) gives the software users the benefit of using exceptional advanced and pricey software without having to pay staggering costs and investing in installation, maintenance, modifications and understanding of single application software. This strategy is clearly a popular one, since now almost every software application is offered in some sort of SaaS format.

Small businesses have found that by embracing SaaS, they can quickly adapt and remain cutting edge.  Since there is no such an extreme capitalization of investment in purchasing new software, the business can license new software as it comes available.  New software and practices definitely keep any company keen and sharp, so there is much to be said from a modernistic and evolutionary perspective when embracing the SaaS philosophy.

Would you like to learn  more about how Digital Sabre can provide Software as a Service? Check out our white paper. 

The History of SaaS

By the late 90s, it was determined that not every company or organization could handle the requirements of all software needed to be most efficient.  Small firms needed to be able to compete with larger firms, but couldn’t afford the infrastructure investment required to solely purchase certain software.  With only a limited pool of people able to pay for products, software providers found their systems being under utilized – and therefore, under sold. Yet it was clear that there was a market for these enterprise tools. There was a definitive need for subscription pricing along with the hosted delivery and outsourced expertise features. However, the applications present during that time were not capable of operating in the limited bandwidth environment of the Internet.  There was a supply, a demand, but no way to deliver the product. 

Fortunately as bandwidth and competition increased, SaaS providers such as Digital Sabre began to be able to offer this type of software solution to all streams of businesses.  By the new millennium, the world’s internet access and ability had dramatically increased, allowing for SaaS providers and consumers to utilize any program and software they desired.

The availability of Saas has dovetailed into the severe backlash over the software licensing model as software vendors began to increase costs. Many customers believed that once they bought the license, the provider stopped caring about the customer’s problems. SaaS providers have often been perceived to be more responsive to customer needs after the initial sale, and have provided needed software at affordable prices making for a successful partnership of solution, provider and client.

Would you like to learn more about SaaS? Check out our white paper.

Benefits of Software as a Service

One of the primary benefits a company gains by using SaaS (Software as a Service) to solve their software needs is that the provider is responsible for time and money spent on maintenance, tech support, and upgrades – not the business using the software.

Accountability for keeping the software working and up-to-date lies with the vendor - who just happens to have a vested interest in keeping their clients happy! The SaaS provider may charge the consumer an upgrade fee, but the consumer doesn’t have to go through the process of buying the upgrade and installing it.. In the same way, the consumer does not have to worry about virus or other network-threatening difficulties. The consumer also gets access to a 24-7 help desk to work through any challenges.

Cost saving is another big reason companies go with SaaS. SaaS saves on salaries, software, equipment, and office space. There is also a fixed cost per user, which helps you in your budgetary plans. Many SaaS providers such as Digital Sabre also offer services scale with your company’s ups  and downs, and a price per month arrangement. You don’t have to worry about long term commitment in unpredictable times.

To learn more about Software as a Service, read our white paper.

What is SaaS? Software as a Service

SaaS, (typically pronounced ’sass’), is an aconym for “Software as a service”.

SaaS is a software distribution model in which software applications are hosted by a vendor or service provider such as Digital Sabre and made available to customers over a network, typically the Internet for a fee. SaaS applications are also sometimes called Web-based software, on-demand software, or hosted software. Whatever the name, SaaS applications run on a SaaS provider’s servers. The provider manages access to the application, including security, availability, and performance.

SaaS is becoming an increasingly popular delivery model for certain software as technologies that support Web services and service-oriented architecture mature and new developmental approaches become popular. Also, broadband service has become increasingly available to support user access–creating more demand. Broadband allows organizations from all over the world to access the needed software.

Companies large and small like SaaS since the sharing of end-user licenses and on-demand use reduces investment in server hardware. SaaS is typically thought of as a low-cost way for businesses to obtain rights to use software as needed versus licensing all devices with all applications.

Would you like to learn more about Software as a Service? Read out white paper.