Article Written by: Uche Nwaukwa
SaaSify is a growing term in the technology industry that refers to the process of converting existing software into a software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering.
It is a shift from software in a box to metered SaaS. It is all about delivering an existing software application, such as a desktop application or on-premises software, to customers as a cloud-based service. Why SaaSify ? Gartner predicts cloud spending will likely exceed 45% of all enterprise IT spending by 2026.
The first step in SaaSifying an existing software application is to assess the software’s current architecture and design. This includes assessing both the underlying infrastructure, such as servers and databases, and the application itself and ensuring it’s fit for the cloud.
A clear picture of the existing software, changes are required to convert it to a SaaS offering and moreso, what value a cloud-based version of the solution brings. If fit, the solution is not only moved to the cloud, but modernised on the cloud. Paradigms for migration include efficiency – measurable service level indices, objectives and agreements met, performance, reliability etc.
After the software has been moved to the cloud, the application must be re-architected to take advantage of the cloud’s scalability, reliability, and security.
Making changes to the application stack, such as containerising the app to make it more portable, or using serverless technologies to reduce cost and improve scalability, may be great motivation. Additionally, embedded AI, security, or any other motivations must be measurable and achieved at indices better than before.
It is crucial to guarantee that users can access and use the programme with ease after it has been redesigned. To do this, a self-service portal that allows users to register for the service and manage their accounts must be established. In addition, the application needs to be simple to integrate with other platforms and systems, including analytics tools, CRM, and marketing automation.
“SaaSification” is an effective strategy for companies seeking to drive growth and innovation.
Companies can benefit from the cloud’s scalability, reliability, and security by converting existing software into a SaaS offering. Furthermore, “SaaSification” enables businesses to reach new customers and expand their revenue streams especially through cloud marketplace sales. According to a recent report, the global SaaS market will grow at a 19.5% CAGR between 2020 and 2025. The increasing adoption of cloud services and the growing demand for software-as-a-service offerings are driving this rapid growth. Furthermore, “SaaSification” has proven to be especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to disrupt and grow than age-bent on nerd-IT. Technology should be a means and not an end by itself.
Several businesses have “SaaSified” to promote growth, evident with a growing SaaS market of USD253B by 2023.
In conclusion, “SaaSification” is a potent tool for companies with a growth mindset.
By transforming current software into a SaaS product, businesses may take advantage of the scalability, reliability, and security of the cloud. “SaaSification” additionally gives companies the chance to reach out to new clients and increase their revenue. It is becoming a more crucial consideration for businesses as a means of maintaining competitiveness and fostering growth as the global SaaS market continues to grow exponentially.
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About the writer:
Uche Nwaukwa is a DevOps, SRE, and Senior Cloud Architect with 15+ years of experience having played strategic roles in global fintech, banks, ISVs, telecommunications, and OEMs including Microsoft, IBM, and Google. He has been privileged to advise execs and techies alike on architecture best practices in the financial services industry, dominantly. He has served as an Enterprise Architect and also, a CTO driving bespoke architectures to meet stringent SLOs and SLAs. Uche is an avid learner, a father, and a husband, and likes to relax with a good chess game and cycling.
