What is SaaS?
SaaS is a model that allows a software application, hosted on central servers by a service provider, to be used by multiple individuals or organizations over the internet. Users do not purchase the software and install it on their own server; they access it through a browser or application in exchange for a subscription.
Entranet is a 22-year-old software platform with an application-based architecture that enables businesses to manage all their business processes on a single platform with over 300 applications; this platform is offered as a SaaS model — businesses can start using it directly without server investment or setup worries.
How does SaaS work?
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Hosting: The software runs centrally on the service provider's cloud servers.
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Subscription: The user purchases a plan/subscription that suits their needs without any installation.
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Access: The application can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection using a browser or mobile application.
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Update: New features and fixes are rolled out centrally to all users by the provider.
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Scaling: Capacity is increased by modifying the plan as the number of users or demand increases.
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Security and backup: Data security, backup, and infrastructure maintenance are the responsibility of the provider.
What are the benefits of the SaaS model?
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Low initial cost: no need to purchase or install servers; costs scale proportionally with the number of users.
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Access from anywhere: the system can be accessed from anywhere with internet access, even outside the office.
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Flexible application selection: the business subscribes to and uses only the applications/modules it needs.
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Stay constantly up-to-date: software improvements and updates are applied automatically, eliminating the need for an extra upgrade project.
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Avoiding unnecessary licensing: no prior investment is made in unused applications or capacity.
How to Choose the Right SaaS Solution? What Should You Pay Attention To?
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Criterion |
Why is it important? |
Point of attention |
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Data security and backup |
The data is stored on the provider's servers. |
Backup frequency and data ownership conditions should be clarified. |
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Integration |
Data flow is required with existing accounting/CRM/ERP systems. |
Tools that lack API/integration support create data islands. |
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Contract flexibility |
It is important to be able to adapt the plan when the needs change. |
Avoid long-term lock-in contracts. |
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Support and SLA |
A quick solution to a problem shouldn't stop the work. |
Support hours and response time commitments should be checked. |
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Pricing transparency |
As the number of users increases, the cost should be predictable. |
Hidden additional charges (installation, integration) should be inquired about. |
Example Use Case: Growing Without Investing in Servers
When a growing business switches to a platform operating on a SaaS model instead of installing and maintaining software on its own server as its team size increases, it can grow its business by paying only for what it uses, without the need for IT investment and technical personnel. This scenario summarizes what the SaaS model means in practice for small and medium-sized businesses. (Note: It is recommended to add a real, nameable Entranet customer example to this section before publication — details in Section 4.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SaaS and traditional (on-premise) software?
In on-premise software, the application is installed on the company's own server and maintained by the company; in SaaS, the software runs on the provider's server, and maintenance and updates are performed by the provider.
Is SaaS secure, and where is the data stored?
Data is stored on servers where the service provider takes security measures; authorization and access controls can be defined on a user-by-user basis.
What is the difference between SaaS and intranet?
SaaS describes how software is delivered (subscription/cloud); an intranet refers to an organization's internal communication and information sharing environment for its employees. An intranet solution can also be offered using the SaaS model. (A detailed intranet guide will be published soon; the link here will be updated.)
How is the cost of SaaS calculated?
The cost is generally calculated based on the number of users, the number of modules/applications selected, and the subscription period (monthly/yearly); there are no server or license purchase costs.
Is a free trial available?
Yes, you can try it in minutes without needing credit card information.
Start using it in minutes without investing in servers. Try Entranet for free — no credit card required.
Related pages: What is Cloud Computing? · Software Development category · Free Trial Form
