In today's fast-paced and dispersed business environment, timely access to information is often mission-critical. More and more businesses need secure and reliable access to business data "anytime, anywhere".
As a result, software applications are increasingly moving off the desktop and onto the Web, giving rise to a new breed of software specialists: Application Service Providers (ASPs). The software applications they provide - also sometimes known as Software as a Service (SaaS) - is installed and maintained on the ASP's servers and the client pays an agreed monthly fee to use them, requiring only a standard Internet connection to do so.
Software as a Service is increasingly replacing conventional desktop or server-based software for a wide and growing range of business functions.
With SaaS, instead of installing software on multiple desktop PCs (which require ongoing maintenance and reinstallation whenever your hardware changes), the application operates entirely on a server and users access it via a standard web browser on any web-connected computer. This means everyone, wherever they are, is able to work seamlessly with the same, up-to-date data - A major productivity benefit for many businesses with staff in the field or who telecommute some or all of the time.
Some applications require dedicated server hardware, which is fully maintained by Dataforce and can be located in the client's office or in Dataforce's professional data centre, depending on factors such as the pattern of use and security requirements.
For applications with large numbers of in-house users, running the server in-house typically delivers the fastest performance, while for applications used by field-based staff or multiple branch offices, locating the server on Dataforce's servers or spreading the load across servers in a number of locations is often the preferred approach.
While the initial project investment in a custom software application may be greater than simply buying the closest available shrink-wrapped product, the medium and long-term return on investment is much higher. Once the application is in place, future enhancements can be added at moderate cost, and most importantly, deliver exactly the features your business needs, when it needs them. When new features are added, they become available immediately to all users.
The benefits of web-based software are many:
- Remote, real-time access to the latest data from any computer with web access (Internet or intranet, as applicable).
- Compatibility with mixed operating systems running within the client organisation.
- Reduced upfront software installation costs.
- Predictable IT costs, with a shift from capital expenditure to fixed, pre-agreed monthly fees.
- Substantial cost saving on hardware and internal IT resources.
- Complex custom applications tailored specifically for your requirements.
- Available at an affordable cost with automatic upgrades to the latest version.
- First class security, data protection and disaster recovery procedures.
- An 'always on' 24 x 7 commitment.
- A flexible, scalable solution to meet changing business needs.
Learn more about a Dataforce ASP solution that enabled our client to become a market leader in the management of energy-saving solutions.
|
