Content Management Systems as Software as a Service
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In more and more areas, cloud-based software solutions are gaining acceptance as so-called Software as a Service (SaaS). In the area of content management systems, many providers are establishing both traditional and SaaS offerings. Some even specialize exclusively in the Software as a Service area.
ALTERNATIVE SOFTWARE OFFERINGS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF CLOUD COMPUTING
Software as a Service is just one of the many types of services offered to companies by modern service providers. Overall, there are three types of offerings in which companies outsource part of the necessary resources for software and related infrastructure and purchase them directly as a service:
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Outsourcing of infrastructure such as servers, data storage, networks and virtual machines. This primarily saves companies the cost of purchasing hardware, but also means that they do not have to worry about maintenance or servicing, for example
Platform as a Service (PaaS): With PaaS, service providers provide companies with a platform for the development and operation of web applications via the cloud. Compared to IaaS, there is no maintenance effort for the operating system and the runtime environment. At the same time, however, this also entails certain restrictions.
Software as a Service (SaaS): SaaS is aimed primarily at companies without their own IT department that are looking for quick and easy-to-use solutions. These services require little to no effort to set up. However, users have to make do with the scope of services provided by the provider.
IaaS, PaaS and SaaS can be offered individually or together. As a rule, IaaS is the most basic and smallest service solution. PaaS and SaaS build on this and in turn on each other. Those who take SaaS usually also take IaaS and PaaS.
With most CMS systems, the providers of the software are also the hosts of the cloud service. This gives you one point of contact for all kinds of questions and problems related to the SaaS system.
THE MAIN ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SAAS
SaaS offers companies a wide range of benefits. If that were not the case, this model would hardly have been able to establish itself. Small and medium-sized companies in particular can save costs with a SaaS CMS. The most powerful arguments for SaaS are:
- No acquisition or maintenance costs
- Secure financial planning through monthly billing
- Excellent scalability enables easy growth
- High reliability up to online guarantee
- Data security through comprehensive backup strategies
- Always state of the art through regular updates and further development
- Problem-free access also possible when working on the move or in the home office
Despite all the advantages, there is always a shadow where there is light. Anyone who is thinking of establishing their CMS as a SaaS should not disregard the following disadvantages:
- Less flexibility and individualization options
- Dependence on support and offer of the service provider
- Integration of further software components not always possible
- Development and update promises are not necessarily fulfilled
- Data sovereignty and data protection pose high hurdles for providers that have their servers abroad
- Switching from in-house to a SaaS CMS is often bumpy
Overall, there is no right or wrong when it comes to SaaS CMS. Rather, it depends on the nature, demands, and needs of your business which type of CMS is right for you.
THE BEST SAAS-CMS FOR YOUR COMPANY
Once you have decided to use a SaaS CMS, you need to find the right one for your company from the multitude of providers. The following questions will give you some clues as to what factors you should consider:
- What services does the SaaS platform offer?
- How flexible is the system?
- What are the monthly and annual costs?
- To what extent is the SaaS CMS scalable?
- How reliable is the provider?
- Can marketers use the SaaS CMS?
- How future-proof is the system?
- Is the service level agreement (SLA) fair?
- How is the customer service?
- Are privacy requirements met?
This article is part of a whitepaper.
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