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30 Mar 2012INFOTECH: Gain More Value from SaaS - the Implementation Approach
Recent Gauteng Business News
âCountless organisations opt to go the SaaS route due to the fact that this technology is easy to use, intuitive and no upfront capex is required,â explains Guy Jelley, CEO at project portfolio management software provider, Post Vision Technology. âUnfortunately, when it comes to deriving value from this type of offering though, the first mistake businesses make is in planning the implementation approach.â
Understanding SaaS Technology is the Key
Jelley recommends that companies looking at SaaS technology take a few straightforward steps in order to avoid implementation failure.
âThe initial step to take would be to identify the organisationâs needs and to determine whether a SaaS solution could help them meet these objectives. Once this has been established, it is critical that they take the time to research the appropriate tools available on the market and select the one best suited to their needs.â
At this stage, Jelley urges companies to run an evaluation version of their chosen tool. âThe beauty of SaaS is that you should be able to give it a test run using the evaluation version, directly from your desk at work.
âMost good SaaS offerings also have preconfigured, or tailored options available, so look out for this type of offering,â he adds. âBy opting for an âout of the boxâ solution, an organisation can look at the intrinsic functionality that should address most of its needs. If using the software out of the box does not meet their objectives, it probably never will.â
Saas Technology Can Benefit Businesses in the Short Term
Jelley says that once a company has found the solution that meets its needs, itâs time to sign up for it. âA reputable SaaS vendor wonât make users sign a contract for a fixed period, so businesses donât need to make a long-term commitment,â he explains.
âThe next step in the process is to start using the software properly, growing the user base in order to ensure wider usage and input. Itâs at this point that a business should be able to identify any organisational and business processes that might need to be amended or matured, putting them in a far better position to appoint a solution provider to assist with system customisation and implementation.
âAt the end of the day, SaaS is not your traditional type of software, so why would you use a traditional software implementation approachââ Jelley asks. âThe key is to initially understand what the software can and cannot do, and get comfortable with it before jumping into configuration, customisation and advanced integration. Liken it to other software that is used by almost everyone, such as Facebook or LinkedIn, where users start off with the basics and customise as they gain knowledge and experience â the better your understanding of the technology, the more beneficial it will be to your business.
âAny implementation is a journey, so the key to gaining the greatest SaaS value is to do it over time instead of looking for a âquick fixâ solution. Based on this, the best approach is to find a partner that is willing to stick with you in the long term and that will grow and mature with your company.â
Business News Sector Tags: Infotech|
