Software as a Service (SaaS)

Anyone that is starting a new business knows that they must include plans for computers and software to operate the company.  The technology requirements for a successful business would include email and internet access to the desktop, file storage and secure backup, Microsoft Office suite, accounting software, and good contact resource management (CRM) to track your prospective customers, sales, and workflow and finally PDA cell phones that can access all of these services through a mobile connection. 

Microsoft produces all of this softare which can be purchased and run in your office using dedicated computer systems, called servers.  This can be a relatively significant investment for any investor for a startup business,  A new single dedicated server computer system costs about $3000.  You may be able to get most of the software applications to load on the one server but likely you may need at least two machines to meet Microsoft's minimum server requirements.  The server machine(s) will need to be located in a properly cooled and relatively clean environment.  Some companies have made the mistake of putting their server systems in a backroom closet that does not have ample cooling wher the server inevitably becomes damaged from overheating.

Next, you must buy your software for the server.  Microsoft Exchange is an ideal software that includes email, task management, and best of all calendar collaboration.   Microsoft does recommend Microsoft Exchange software to be loaded on its own server.  File and print services must function on a server in which the files are centrally stored (saved) by your users and file folders can be secured for access only by the users who you want to provide permission.  The centralized file server can be backed up by a tape backup system or better yet, an online backup system that will automatically store your data offsite.  Microsoft's accounting software is called Microsoft Dyamics GP which costs approximately $3000 per user (depending on what modules you need) and Microsoft CRM software costs approximately $2000 per user.  This, of course, doesn't include setup and configuration for your company's specific business process.

All of this is connected and accessible by a network that is wired or wireless to your desktops or laptop computers.  The Microsoft file servers will be setup so that each user has their own secure login that enables you to control the access to these software applications and stored file locations.  Finally, the network is connected to the internet by a network switch that has all the network connections tied together to a router to an internet service such as Time Warner or AT&T.  Your internet provider may provide the router for you but you must take the appropriate measures to secure the internet access with a firewall which would range by size at $500 to $2000, depending on the size of your network and internet connection type.

Buying your own computer server equipment and software has been the traditional investment made by small and medium sized business owners.  The map of server and software equipment introduced in this article represents an investment ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 (or more).  An alternative to consuming such a large amount of your investment for your business is to consider paying a monthly fee to use all of these software applications on hosted servers at the NetStanard Kansas City datacenter.  This type of service is called Software-as-a Service or SaaS.  The advantages beyond saving tens of thousands of dollars on software and server computer equipment include:

• An integrated suite of applications that provide advanced productivity benefits

• Reduced capital investment in IT infrastructure

• 7x24 support from a Fortune 500-quality IT services organization

• Permits companies to consume IT services at a predictable monthly cost

• No software maintenance agreements

• No ongoing operational demands and distractions

• Increased flexibility to add and delete users.  The service can quickly scale to match corporate needs

• Services can be rapidly provisioned oftentimes through the NetStandard self-service portal

• Ability to access applications securely from any Internet connection

• All data is backed up in encrypted format using NetStandard’s DataSafe back-up service.

• All patches, upgrades and service desk

• Applications are managed from NetStandard’s SAS70 certified data center

• A variety of applications designed to match the requirements for small businesses 

With Software-as-a-Service, your company's investment is simply buying an internet connection, your desktops or laptops, and pay a monthly fee to NetStandard for its SaaS service that gets your business online in a few days without spending tens of thousands of dollars on servers and software.

For more information on SaaS at NetStandard, go to www.netstandard.com/SaaS or call 913-262-3888