Online Project Management: Why You Should Use SaaS
What is SaaS? SaaS is the deployment of software that is hosted and managed at a data center operated by a software vendor. For example, instead of purchasing and installing project management software, you pay a monthly fee for the use of it. The applications can then be easily accessed on the Internet by team members and project managers.
There are SaaS equivalents for any project management program on the market. Online project management software like @Task, Daptiv PPM and Clarizen all offer the same features as traditional software programs like Microsoft Project, but with some added benefits.
SaaS Solutions Cost Less
Research shows the cost of SaaS solutions are typically four to five times lower than traditional project management programs. Since it requires no software, hardware or dedicated IT teams, deployment costs are substantially less. With traditional software solutions, the expenditures keep adding up. In addition to the initial software license purchase, hardware, support staff and software updates are only a few of the extra cost considerations.
With SaaS-based programs like @Task and Daptiv, your only cost is a low monthly subscription fee for a complete task management solution. Compared to the cost of traditional software programs like MS Project, a monthly fee is much easier to budget than a large expenditure.
Deployment is Fast and Easy
Once you have a SaaS subscription, your project management and task applications will be available to team members within hours. Physical program installations can take months to complete. A typical software implementation involves not only the installation of the software but also purchasing and installing servers and equipment.
Access Data From Any Location
SaaS applications can be accessed on any platform that links to the Internet. With a typical Internet connection, SaaS subscriptions allow users to access programs and data from anywhere. Team members at multiple office locations, at home or on the road can access and use the same documents, data and task tools.
The Software is Always Up-to-Date
With traditional licensed software, you have to wait for the next release to benefit from the latest technology. Because software is already up and running on the SaaS vendor's data center, updates are automatic. As soon as a new feature or upgrade is applied to the application, your team can start using it. Traditional software requires expensive and time consuming updates to stay current.
Is SaaS right for your project management and business needs? It depends on where you plan to take your organization in the next few years. Are you comfortable with new technologies? Do you mind running your system remotely? SaaS may not be for everyone, but the growing trend toward virtual task solutions is causing businesses, both large and small, to take notice.
Published by Kim Linton
Kim Linton began her writing career in 2001 as a contributor for Ministrymaker Magazine. Kim's work has since been published on a variety of websites including Woman's Day and Intel, and featured on several... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentThe project management software market has come a long way since 2008 and while Saas will still be helping the very large organisations, it is the small to medium sized enterprises that now are interested and the competition is fierce. Despite the tangible improvement on output and internal communication and much more, the problem now is which one to take. They are all very good. We looked at about fifteen before we somehow settled on Dooster and are very pleased with.
Agreed most useful info. I currently use Dooster. www.dooster.net which works for me!
This is one of the more useful articles I've read. Excellent job!
Such an interesting article. I originally started off as a computer programmer. Thanks.
Good info, Kim. I'll add that outsourced security (like spam filters and malware scanners) means that even smaller companies that don't have dedicated IT people can take advantage of the the best solutions available, always up to date with the latest threats.
Very informative.. well organized article. im sure many people will find this useful! :)