MSaaS – Managed Software as a Service
MSaaS, or Managed SaaS, is a type of software as a service that includes management and maintenance services, and typically involves a SaaS-based representative playing a key role in the service.
Most SaaS applications don’t require special knowledge or training, but that’s not always the case. And the SaaS solution used by one department may not fit perfectly for the needs of another department. However, in an enterprise environment, having multiple solutions that basically do the same thing is often frowned upon.
Difference between SaaS and MSaaS
There are many SaaS-based (cloud-based) solutions that are available, but larger organizations that simply subscribe to a service without providing the proper training to their staff are inviting disaster.
MSaaS providers often work with enterprises to help them transition to the cloud, train their users with the service, and often times manage and customize their cloud-based applications for them.
Examples of Managed SaaS Services
MSaaS providers offer a wide range of services, from application management to data backup and recovery. Many are backed by some of the best venture capital firms in the industry and are anxious to disrupt the standard industry. Here are some examples of MSaaS services:
Application management
Managed SaaS providers can help businesses manage and monitor their cloud-based applications. This can include tasks such as patching, updating, and troubleshooting applications. This provider would also likely manage the licenses and renewals with the goal of keeping costs as low as possible.
Backup and recovery
Managed SaaS providers can help businesses back up and recover data stored in the cloud. This can be critical for businesses that rely on cloud-based applications for mission-critical data.
Capacity planning
Managed SaaS providers can help businesses plan for future capacity needs. This can include predicting demand, estimating growth, and sizing infrastructure accordingly.
Forecasting is difficult in the best of times, and managing growth requires expertise.
Change management
Managed SaaS providers can help businesses manage changes to their cloud-based applications. This can include tasks such as approvals, testing, and deployment.
This is like, who oversees the changes?
Configuration management
Managed SaaS providers can help businesses manage configurations for their cloud-based applications. This can include tasks such as creating and managing environments, provisioning resources and setting up monitoring and logging.
When settings change, it can impact the entire company differently. These need to be managed appropriately so you can sleep peacefully.
Continuous integration and delivery
MSaaS providers can help businesses automate the process of building, testing, and deploying software releases. This can help businesses release new features and updates faster and with less risk.
Database management
MSaaS providers can help businesses manage their databases in the cloud. This can include tasks such as designing, provisioning, and scaling databases.
Many startups use either AWS’s or Azure’s managed database solutions and have avoided having to hire an in-house DBA team.
Disaster recovery
MSaaS providers can help businesses plan for and recover from disasters. This can include tasks such as creating backup plans, testing recovery procedures, and maintaining replicate systems.
Having a rock-solid disaster recovery plan is a requirement for many certifications, including SOC 2.
Infrastructure management
MSaaS providers can help businesses manage their cloud-based infrastructure. This can include tasks such as provisioning, monitoring, and scaling infrastructure resources.
Infrastructure costs can easily be under-utilized or over-utilized if not managed appropriately. Also since Infrastructure depreciates rather quickly, you’ll want to maximize its benefit while in use.
Security management
MSaaS providers can help businesses secure their cloud-based applications. This can include tasks such as identifying risks, implementing security controls, and monitoring for threats.
What’s worse than getting hacked because some simple backdoor was left open in one of your apps? Having to admit you got hacked by your customers.
Benefits of MSaaS
Implementation Speed
Prioritizing work can be a frustrating activity when everything needs to be done as soon as possible. One of the benefits that MSaaS can have is implementation speed. This is due to the fact that MSaaS leverages cloud-based applications which tend to be more nimble and easier to implement than on-premise software.
One example is how a business may want to deploy a customer relationship management (CRM) system. With MSaaS, the business can subscribe to a CRM service and be up and running in a matter of hours or days, or weeks. Whereas, if the business were to deploy an on-premise CRM system, it could take months or even years to get the system up and running.
Many companies are implementing OpenAI’s engine into the MSaaS tools, which can make the speed of implementation even faster than before.
Cost of MSaaS vs. On-Premise
The cost of MSaaS can be a fraction of the cost of on-premise software. This is due to the fact that MSaaS providers typically charge a subscription fee, which can be paid monthly or annually. The subscription fee covers the cost of the software, hosting, and maintenance.
In contrast, the cost of on-premise software includes the initial license fee, as well as the costs of hardware, hosting, and maintenance. These costs can add up quickly, making on-premise software much more expensive than MSaaS.
Flexibility and Scalability
MSaaS is flexible and scalable, meaning that it can grow with your business. As your business grows, you can add more users or increase your subscription level to get more features.
In contrast, on-premise software is often inflexible and difficult to scale. This is because on-premise software is designed to be installed on a specific number of computers and servers. If your business grows and you need to add more users, you may need to purchase additional licenses or upgrade your hardware.
MSaaS Security
MSaaS providers have a vested interest in keeping their customers’ data safe and secure. They do this by investing in security technologies and hiring experienced security professionals.
In contrast, businesses that use on-premise software are responsible for their own security. This can be a challenge and may not be the highest priority item on the backlog with the current resources.
Ongoing Management
Another benefit of MSaaS is that it can help businesses offload the ongoing management of cloud-based applications. This can include tasks such as patching, monitoring, and troubleshooting. MSaaS providers can help businesses free up time and resources by managing these tasks on their behalf.
For example, a business may want to deploy a customer relationship management (CRM) system. With MSaaS, the business can subscribe to a CRM service and be up and running in a matter of days or weeks. Whereas, if the business were to deploy an on-premise CRM system, it could take months or even years to get the system up and running.
Disadvantages of MSaaS
Data Security
It’s important to keep in mind that even with SaaS-based applications, strict measures need to be taken before any sensitive data is shared. The security and accessibility of your company’s information remain a top concern when opting for this model since third-party services often have less control over how they handle such info than an organization would itself possess via its own internally developed system or app.
Research MSaaS providers thoroughly before selecting one. There are many reputable ones out there but do your homework now so you won’t be in detention later.
Outsourcing Confidence
Anytime you outsource any part of your business it can cause a bit of stress. After all, you are trusting another company with something that is important to your business. Focus on finding an MSaaS provider that has the experience and can provide a high level of security. Once the initial stress of the change is over, you can focus on your core business, which actually seems to lower stress for many people.
Conclusion
MSaaS and Saas are closely related, but the differences are important. SaaS has been a game-changer for many businesses, but without proper management, the benefits can quickly evaporate and become problems.
MSaaS is a type of outsourcing in which a company manages another company’s software applications. MSaaS generally includes all aspects of application management, from hosting to updates and security. SaaS, on the other hand, is software that is delivered to customers over the internet. SaaS applications are usually owned and operated by the provider, while MSaaS applications are typically owned by the customer.
The key difference between MSaaS and SaaS is that MSaaS includes application management, while SaaS does not. MSaaS providers will often manage an application on behalf of their customers, including hosting, updates, security, and other aspects of application management. SaaS providers, on the other hand, typically only provide the software itself and do not include application management in their services.
Hope that helps! If you have any questions, please ask away!
