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Part 2: Why Choose a SaaS Solution? Why SaaS offers advantages over traditional on-premise software solutions.

The process for selecting a software solution for local and municipal government software is a complex undertaking. With the introduction of SaaS solutions over the past few years, it is important to understand the benefits of SaaS, the risks and the challenges. To help shed some light on this process, we will explore the reasons you should consider a SaaS solution, and some of the risks that should be understood.

There are five main reasons to consider a SaaS solution for local and municipal governments:

Time: SaaS solutions can usually be implemented in a manner of days or weeks, instead of the months or years that it usually takes to implement an in-house solution. You don’t need a full staff of available IT resources to implement a SaaS solution either: the SaaS vendors will usually work with you to configure the software, and get you up and running as quickly as possible. 

Cost: Traditional in-house solutions are often an order of magnitude more expensive than SaaS solutions, given the amount of effort required from your internal resources and from the vendor to design, configure, develop, test, and support the systems. SaaS solutions are usually priced at a reasonable monthly cost per user, on a pay-as-you-go basis.

System accessibility: All you need to use SaaS systems is an internet connection and a web browser. This means that you can use the system in your office, on the road, or anywhere else where you have an internet connection.

Data security: Many SaaS providers provide an incredibly robust process for securing access to your system and your data. Your data is usually backed up regularly, and stored in a secure location, using the latest security procedures. This means that in the event of an emergency in your city, you would have access to your system and your data as soon as you have an internet connection.

Flexibility: Many SaaS providers work with you to configure your system to reflect your business needs, and are still able to implement your system in a very short period of time. This means that you can still get a fully configured system for a low cost without needing the costly and time-consuming process of implementing an on-premise solution.

All of these are key reasons to consider SaaS when you need a technology solution.  However, SaaS is not always the best solution. If you do not have a reliable internet connection, then you should consider in-house solutions. If you need highly specialized components for your application and have very specific requirements and little flexibility, then you may need to consider in-house solutions.

If you are cost-conscious, need a highly secure and accessible environment, in as fast a time frame as possible, then a SaaS solution may be the best solution for you.

Part 1: What is Software as a Service? An overview about Software-as-a-Service.

What is Software as a Service (SaaS), and why is this important for local and municipal governments? SaaS solutions are hosted software solutions that require only an internet connection and a browser. There is no need to install software on a server or on your local machine to use SaaS solutions – you just need to sign up for the service, and access it via the internet. You may have heard the terms ‘on-demand software’, ‘hosted software’, or ‘Cloud Computing’: these are all similar terms, requiring just an internet connection and a browser.

In a SaaS environment, it is not only the software that is hosted and accessed via the internet: data is hosted ‘in the cloud’ as well. When you access your SaaS solution and save your information it is stored in a remote location so that you can access it anywhere you have an internet connection.

Over the past few years, SaaS solutions have been developed for everything from word processing and spreadsheets, to replacements for traditional business and government software solutions. SaaS has many benefits over traditional in-house solutions, but there are many considerations for local and municipal governments to consider when selecting a software solution. Over the course of this series, we will review the key reasons local and municipal governments should consider SaaS solutions, as well as the key considerations that you should consider when selecting a SaaS solution.