What is a SaaS platform? What are the advantages and disadvantages of SaaS platforms? What features should a SaaS platform include? We answer these questions and more in this article.
What is a SaaS platform?
Saas platforms Software as a service (SAaS) are platforms that operate in a service sharing model. The SaaS platform does not require the user to install or run a specific program/tool on the computer, but uses solutions based on cloud infrastructure.
In the world of eCommerce, we most often talk about two models of sales platforms – Open Source (such as Magento) and SaaS (such as Shopify).
How does a SaaS platform work?
When it comes to how a SaaS platform works, it's crucial to understand that the service runs on servers, the maintenance and performance of which are the responsibility of the solution provider. The store owner (in the case of eCommerce) doesn't have to worry about the backend or IT infrastructure, as the SaaS provider manages the servers and is responsible for all updates and security issues related to their cloud-based service.
The vast majority of SaaS solutions and platforms operate on a subscription model—usually monthly or annual. The cost of such a platform depends on many factors, often including the functionalities of the given SaaS platform.
For the monthly (or annual) subscription fee, we are guaranteed access to the tool without the need to embed it locally on our own servers.
Advantages of SaaS platforms
The main advantages of SaaS platforms are primarily security, scalability, time to market, and price.
Security
In terms of security, we're talking about things like GDPR compliance, SSL certificate protection, and data encryption. Security is the responsibility of the service provider, who takes responsibility for the legality and security of their product.
Scalability
SaaS platforms are renowned for their scalability, which in practice means they grow with the store owner's growth. We can add specific functionalities, change the design, reconfigure, and test new solutions. Scalability also applies to the relatively easier ability to expand into different markets (implementing language versions).
Time to market
Another advantage of SaaS platforms is undoubtedly the speed of implementation. Unlike open source solutions, implementation is a smooth and less time-consuming process. Many elements can be automated, further contributing to the attractive time and cost of implementation/migration to a SaaS platform.
Price
The cost of implementation is another advantage that's certainly worth mentioning. Comparing Shopify to Magento, for example, not only is the implementation process several times faster, but it's also several times less time-consuming.
In the context of price, it is also worth paying attention to the maintenance costs, which are also very good in comparison to Open Source solutions.
Disadvantages of SaaS platforms
When we talk about cloud-based solutions, we cannot ignore the disadvantages, so it is also worth considering the disadvantages of the SaaS platform.
Personalization
If we're looking for a highly personalized platform, SaaS might not be the ideal solution. We can compare it to a box to which we can add individual elements, but we can't change the shape of the box. This is the case with SaaS – we can modify, add, or subtract many things, but we must remember that it is, to some extent, a 'boxed' solution.
Additional costs
We mentioned earlier the addition and subtraction of elements to this pre-built 'box.' This, of course, multiplies additional costs, which is why SaaS platforms typically don't generate significant maintenance costs, but when you add plugins, integrations, and applications, the price can increase several-fold.
Dependence
By choosing a SaaS solution, we accept that we are somewhat dependent on the vendor. One day, they will decide not to maintain their solution/platform/plugin. In this type of situation, SaaS carries a certain amount of risk.
What features should a SaaS platform include?
What features should a SaaS platform include? When considering SaaS in eCommerce, these are primarily those that enable intuitive store management for both owners and operators, but equally important are all the features that simplify the customer purchasing process.
It is therefore worth taking into account:
- store management (including adding, editing, and deleting products, categories, blog entries, and information pages, as well as managing users and store settings, including payments, shipping, and discounts)
- customization (editing the store template and its individual elements)
- integrations (internal and external with ERP, CRM, PIM systems)
- reporting (collecting and analyzing data)
- SEO & marketing (including social media integration, GMC)
- support (store management, creating a knowledge base or FAQ, implementing a live chat or ticketing system)
SaaS platforms in Poland
SaaS platforms are extremely popular in Poland, mainly due to the advantages mentioned earlier. Among the most popular are Shopify, Shoper, PrestaShop, Sky-Shop, and Comarch.
Shopify
Shopify is the most popular SaaS platform in the world due to several factors – flexibility, scalability, 24/7 Shopify Support , security guarantee, extensive functionalities and global reach.
As Shopify agency Over the last 6 years, we have seen incredible development of this engine, including on our domestic, Polish market.
Examples: https://www.bebeconcept.pl/ , https://bizuu.pl/ , https://formeds.pl/
Shopper
Shoper is very popular in the Polish market, primarily because it's a local, Polish solution that integrates with most key solutions for e-commerce owners in Poland.
Examples: https://e-daag.com.pl/ , https://studiobrzoza.pl/ , https://lillow.pl/
Sky-Shop
Sky-Shop was founded by a Pole in 2009, and over the years, nearly 90,000 online stores have been established. Sky-Shop has a wide range of wholesalers with which it can integrate, making it particularly well-suited for dropshipping.
Examples: https://sklep.grycan.pl/ , https://roskosh.pl/ , https://www.aboutskin.pl/
Comarch
Comarch is a valued solution, especially because Comarch is the creator of popular ERP solutions that are eagerly used by Polish e-entrepreneurs, i.e. Comarch Optima and XL.
Examples: https://lavard.pl/ , https://ticket.energylandia.pl/ , https://www.alpinus.eu/
Implementation of the SaaS platform
Implementing a SaaS platform is a process that can be divided into several stages.
The first step is to analyze the store's environment and needs. During the workshop, the store's processes, the scope of integration, and the required applications are determined. Next comes the store configuration phase, design (the scope depends on the approach – whether the template is the base, with graphics developed within it, or whether mockups and layouts are considered), and development. This is then completed by testing and comprehensive training.
The training stage is very important because one of the advantages of SaaS is that store management is intuitive, but you first need to get to know the tool to be able to use it freely later.
The culmination of implementing the SaaS platform is going through the project checklist and going live.
