Software as a Service (SaaS) is one of the elements of cloud computing that allows software applications to be obtained over the Internet, typically through subscriptions. Since the provider cloud is the one who performs the software host functions, enhancements, maintenance and upgrades are no longer a problem for the user.
Typical advantages of SaaS include: lower upfront costs, easy configuration, scalability and ease of use.
Here are some trends that are being massively implemented in the world and some others that are coming, so that businesses and users can perform their activities better, faster, easier and in an affordable way.
SaaS Trends
1. AI and Machine Learning
Machine Learning and artificial intelligence are undoubtedly the tools that are being used the most in SaaS. The inclusion of algorithms to make decisions leveraging the data created by the software allows more and better decisions to be made. Examples of this are: Tractable a company that after a car accident automatically assesses the damage accurately after the accident. Another example is Suplos, which with its Analytics Module (Gnas) helps large corporations to make better decisions based on all the data from all their supply processes.
2. Verticality
SaaS target companies with specific needs with niche solutions in an adaptable and customizable way. SaaS typically seek to vertically own all the needs that their customers present to them in a particular subject matter. Examples are health sciences SaaS such as Veeva, clinical trials such as Medidata, restaurants Toasts and Suplos for procurement and logistics.
3. Micro SaaS
Not all SaaS have to be robust, enterprise platforms. There are also software services that are designed for a quite particular and specific purpose. Micro SaaS companies solve a problem using very few resources. An example of this is Carrd, which allows its users to create simple one-pagers. Another example is Storemapper, which allows commercial stores to list and advertise all their locations. Finally, Publer allows its users to quickly schedule and analyze all social media posts.
To coin a quote from Chris Makkreel, Salesforce's chief technology officer: "The future of SaaS will be defined by the ability to do more with less. Today, technology is proactive but tomorrow it will be predictive." Adapted from: "SaaS Trends to Watch in 2021". Yi Jin. Forbes.
