How SAAS model can re-define software industry in Bangladesh

I have been working in tech companies from the very beginning of my career. Started with telecommunication and eCommerce, travel, software, logistics, and ticketing. (With A small bump in between, I used to work for a company who sell really large batteries! ….. Kidding, that company is the most prominent firm in energy generation in Bangladesh). However, as a consumer, I am using different applications every day and it’s kind of part of my life. My day starts with a 7-minute workout app ( http://bit.ly/1BoYUzD). For work purpose,
I generally use/used

CRM: Salesforce, Zoho, Seibel, Pipedrive
Project Management: Basecamp, Trello, Freedcamp, Bitrix
Collaboration and Communication: Slack, Hangout, Skype
Business tools: Camcard, Camscanner, Evernote and the list goes on.
Accounting: Wave

You will see most of them are either a mobile app or software that are hosted in the cloud.

Now, coming to the point, what is SaaS or Software as a Service? It’s not a new software system, but rather a new way of distributing the software to the consumer. It’s easy to deploy the same system to multiple software because it’s hosted in the cloud. Let’s go through some basic function and benefit of SaaS:

1. It’s easier to manage SaaS. All users will have the same version of the software because updates and patches will be done automatically by the software company, not by the corporations or users.

2. It has global accessibility. It can be used by any device that has the internet through any browser. It will work as a web app that has universal access through all device. — Desktop, laptop, mobile, tab etc. It removes the limitation of old-age software that requires manual installation on a personal computer.

3. It can reduce the cost for the end user or companies. Because of not hosting software into their personal server. Unlike traditional software which requires a license fee, upfront cost and ongoing management fee, SaaS can reduce the cost drastically by offering just user based monthly fee or a fixed monthly/ annual fee at a lower price. Some SaaS application uses freemium model for a limited time or limited feature, other SaaS can provide a full free model while earning money from in-app advertisement.

Other than that, SaaS offers another benefit like multi-channel architecture for universal compatibility. The option of modification of certain feature on CRM system based on company needs via CMS system. Easily import and export a large amount of data. Co-branded opportunity for companies. Multiple application integrations into one system.

In the context of Bangladesh, the use of SaaS is becoming extremely popular because of its easy-to-go model. The software we are using is mostly from companies who are placed outside of this country. I haven’t found a single company who has executed and marketed SaaS on a wide scale in this country. The root-cause is not having the skilled developer, but the marketer who failed to present and scale it to a larger audience. It can re-define the whole industry. It can transform old-age ERP, CRM, payroll, account, invoicing, talent acquisition, content management, collaboration, business application, gamification and every type of software companies are using today.

Here’s a great analogy of SAAS collected from my friend Huiyi Lee former Community Manager at Tech in Asia and Current Community Manager at GovTech Singapore

Even for a new company who wants to build and scale their ideas online, SaaS can be a great way to initiate to kick start million dollar companies eventually. Because it has no boundaries. You can target any companies in the world to sell your services. It’s high time that we understand it now. As the internet penetration is rising up here in Bangladesh. The next big companies will emerge from integrated technology platform and every industry will transform the way they are doing business now. Cloud computing was introduced in the western world in late 90’s. But, it’s the perfect time to join this wave and spearhead your personal project or transform the way of work at your existing company. For more tech articles, see here.

Originally published at LinkedIn on November 6, 2015.