The benefits of SaaS applications
SaaS applications offer many advantages over on-premises software. After all, by purchasing software as a service via the cloud, you, as a customer, always have access to the latest version and you do not have to carry out software updates yourself. You are compliant with strict safety standards and you are continuously provided with new functionalities. The software is always up to date, what we also call “evergreen”. In addition, you don't have to worry about maintaining the hardware running the software or making backups. In short, only benefits! But SaaS applications also have disadvantages.
The disadvantages of SaaS applications
This is because an important disadvantage of a SaaS application is that the functionality is by definition standardized. You purchase exactly the same application as all other subscribed customers. Because the software is made according to a 'one-size-fits-all' principle, you are very limited in fine-tuning or modifying the functionality to exactly match your way of working. And as you know, the one-size-fits-all fits, no one really fits perfectly.
As a rule, suppliers do not make an exception for any customer to develop specific wishes. Because that is impossible for them to maintain. Only functionalities that help all (or at least the majority of) customers are created. And if you make a good suggestion for a new feature, with a bit of luck, it will be 'at the top' of the backlog in six months. As a result, specific business needs cannot be met, resulting in inefficiency and perhaps even dissatisfied end users.
The Microsoft Power Platform to the Rescue
We see a lot of potential for low-code/no-code solutions to meet customer-specific needs and specific to Microsoft's Power Platform. According to Gartner, the Microsoft Power Platform is a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for Enterprise low-code application platforms and Gartner also predicts that by 2025, around 70% of all Enterprise software will use low-code solutions.
In short, the Power Platform makes it possible for any end user to create workflows, apps and dashboards without programming knowledge. Any organization with a Microsoft 365 license can make use of this and thus get more value out of its licenses.
SaaS applications and low-code, a match made in heaven
When, as a SaaS supplier, you connect your solution with a data connector with the Microsoft Power platform, you suddenly offer your customers a world of opportunities that weren't there before. What's more, how nice it is when a potential customer's “must have” requirement can now be answered with “yes”, simply by using no-code/low-code!
A simple example is reports. “Export to excel” is the most used function of business software such as CRP or ERP. Of course, everyone immediately thinks of the Security Officer who should solve a potential data breach, but let's not forget that it takes a lot of manual and error-prone work to always process data into reports. The inefficiency (and irritation) in the workplace is huge, and we were already so busy!
No matter how it is possible..
So it can also be done differently. Just imagine; you walk into the office and while waiting for your cup of coffee, open the Teams app on your phone. The dashboard in the Project Team shows the data from the external ERP platform in real time, and even before you're at your (fixed) flex desk, you've shared an important insight with your colleagues.
What Blis Digital can do for your SaaS application?
It's just one of the many possibilities we see. Wondering if your SaaS application can be linked to the Power Platform? We now have a lot of experience with custom connectors and integrations. We would love to think along with you! Oh, and are you a SaaS supplier and are you now thinking, “we offer an API, right?” make sure to read this blog again: An API isn't a Connector yet | Blis Digital
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