Software as a Service (SaaS) is an increasingly popular topic these days. In my classes and in the after conversations of my lectures, I often have discussions focused on some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a SaaS model and levels of comfort in relation to what SaaS is being used for.
Line of business applications tend to be the more commonly accepted use of SaaS, with many pointing to applications like SalesForce.com or HR and Payroll applications like those offered through Ultimate Software. Users seems to feel that these types of application are well suited to a SaaS model but when it comes to the ECM space, there is a sense of nervousness with regard to the use of SaaS.
While ECM vendors like SpringCM and DigiTech Systems have made great strides in their offerings and increasing their subscriber bases, as we saw with imaging in the early years, consumers are not as comfortable with the concept of their content being stored outside of their locality. While they do recognize and understand that in relation to ECM, the obvious advantages of SaaS are:
-
Ease and speed of deployment
-
Lower overall operating maintenance costs
-
24/7 Access capabilities
The most frequent concerns expressed are:
-
Physical location and security of the content
-
Loss of connection and access to all stored content
-
Integration and customization required for interoperability with legacy systems
In my view, the decision to implement a SaaS solution must be based upon business requirements, functional requirements and regulatory constraints whether they are government, industry of corporate in nature. For example, in the insurance industry, one major carrier has allowed their agency offices to use SaaS ECM solutions provided they are through the preferred and vetted vendors chosen by corporate while another major carrier decided SaaS for ECM is not an option and on-premise implementation is the chosen method.
The decision to choose SaaS may not seem difficult but just as much care and effort is needed to implement and establish a solid ECM environment that leverages the SaaS solution to its greatest benefit and ensures compliance requirements are met. SaaS ECM can be the right solution for many departments and organizations provided every consideration is given to your current and anticipated future needs.
What say you? Do you have a story to tell? What are your thoughts on this topic? What is on your mind? Do you have a topic of interest you would like discussed in this forum? Let me know.
Email: Bob Larrivee, Director and Industry Advisor - AIIM
Email: blarrivee@aiim.org Twitter – BobLarrivee
www.aiim.org/training