What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud-based solution on a subscription basis. This type of software service naturally evolves over time and new features are automatically introduced with no need to install, upgrade, or maintain software packages.

Why SaaS?

24/7 Access

SaaS solutions are cloud-based, so you can access them from anywhere you have an internet connection. With access from any device, anywhere in the world, you can get your work done, no matter where you are.

Lower Total-Cost-of-Ownership

Most SaaS software is priced with lower, ongoing subscription payments. This keeps initial costs low and avoids the heavy expense of hardware and licenses.

IT Cost Reduction

With a SaaS subscription, the vendor handles all updates, issues and support, meaning you don't have to rely on IT to manage your apps. Most enterprise companies experience a reduction in IT spend of more than 15%.

Infinite Scalability

Cloud vendors, like Microsoft Azure, allow SaaS solutions to be infinitely scalable to fit your changing needs. Your storage space, geographic footprint, and overall performance will automatically grow with you.

Security

With SaaS, security responsibility falls to the vendor, so you can take advantage of the advanced security features that the vendor has to offer. Leading cloud vendors, like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services, invest billions of dollars into their security and growth.

What’s the Difference?

On-Premise

SaaS

Cost

Higher initial costs, as you have to purchase hardware and individual licenses

Lower initial costs, with smaller ongoing annual or monthly subscription payments

Updates & Maintenance

Completed periodically by your internal IT team, with additional costs for upgrades and new features

Regular updates are included with your subscription, without disruptions

Infrastructure & Set-Up

Longer implementation and stored on your own servers

Shorter implementation and no hardware required

Scalability

Will need to add more servers and storage as you grow

Your cloud storage will automatically scale with you as you grow

Accessibility

Only available on-site, on computers that have the program installed

Available anywhere with an internet connection and a web browser, to users with the right permissions

Security & Privacy

Handled by your internal IT team

Included in your subscription, taking advantage of the cloud provider’s advanced security measures

Integrations

Requires IT involvement and customizations to integrate with different systems

Many providers offer ready-made integrations, as well as APIs for custom integrations between systems

Up-time

Internal IT team responsible for 24/7 up-time during peak load times, upgrades and patch installs

Vendor takes responsibility for 24/7 uptime, often offering an uptime over 99%

SaaS and Digital Asset Management

With a SaaS-based digital asset management system, you can take advantage of cloud infrastructure to give your worldwide employees and partners secure access to the digital photos, videos and documents they need to promote your business. Companies are choosing SaaS-based DAMs for their efficiency, worldwide accessibility, scalability, and the ability to integrate with multiple products.

Simplified Worldwide
Collaboration

Secure Storage
of Marketing Assets

Easy and Simple
Asset Distribution

Want to Learn More About DAM?

See how leading companies are using digital asset management systems to better manage, organize and share their digital files with partners all around the world.

Digital Asset Management 101