FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?
- What are the benefits of SAAS?
- Where is is the software hosted and where is my data?
- But what happens if my internet goes down?
What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?
This relates to being able to access selected pieces or functions of software that you need and is usually delivered "On Demand" via the internet from an Off-Premise (hosted) application server environment and paid for on a low cost, pay as you use, monthly subscription basis.
What are the benefits of SaaS?
SaaS applications are rapidly growing in number due to their massive cost savings and advantages:
- No software installation needed.
- No implementation costs
- Lower up front license costs (pay as you use)
- No or lower maintenance costs
- No hardware/server needed (hosting costs included)
- “Off Premise” means a secure remote server that’s available all hours and professionally backed up.
- On Demand: always on when you need it
- Applications are simpler, more intuitive
- Industry specific, workflow matched software can meet vertical niche markets more closely than the “one app suits all” monolithic ERP vendors
Where is is the software hosted and where is my data?
The software is hosted in what is called a 'Tier 1' data centre. It sits in a super secure environment alongside some of the biggest online applications in the world. That means there are several levels of redundancy built in to ensure it is 99.999% available and the data is backed up securely. In short, you just don't need to worry about it - you focus on your business and we'll look after your data. If you want to know more just ask your account manager.
But what happens if my internet goes down?
You might think that this is a problem but in reality it just shows the strength of the Saas model. You can access Wastedge from anywhere - literally. Here are some options...
- You can access it using a mobile data stick available on a pay-as-you-go basis from any airtime provider. If your internet connection goes down just plug in the stick and carry on as normal!
- You can use an internet cafe or any other internet enabled PC.
- You can go home! Because Wastedge is available online you can access it from your home PC and internet connection and so can your staff. All this access and it is costing you less, not more!
In fact, you are probably better off thinking about how your business would cope with a burgulary, fire/flood or a plain old computer failure if you had a PC or server running old fashioned on premises software. How long would it take you to get back up and running...? 2 days? 3 days? A week?
And if you still need convincing, here are a few companies whose names you might recognise that currently use SaaS extensively to run their businesses more efficiently... Dell, Boots, Veolia, Corporate Express, Haagen Daz, Yamaha, Standard Life, Cisco, Motorola, Ricoh, ITN, O2, Orange, Electronic Arts, Hitachi, Konica Minolta, Panasonic, Symantec, Morrison Utility, Toyota...
You get the picture. You and your business are in good company - welcome to the big league!
