SaaS Definition, Ecosystem and Business Model

SaaS is described as software applications deployed as a hosted service and accessed over the Internet via a standard web browser. This can include basic IIS or Apache software, but typically Software as a Service means delivering business applications, including collaboration software and line-of-business applications, to companies that require them to run their business. The SaaS model, and the SaaS Ecosystem that Parallels is helping to build, provides a new way for Service Providers, ISVs, and end-user customers to interact in a way that will drive additional demand for software applications.

In the Software as a Service model above, customers (end-users) subscribe to applications versus purchasing them, typically on a per-month basis. In this pay-as-you-go method, customers are afforded a flexible, low-cost, no-hassle model so they can concentrate on running their core business rather than spending capital to purchase applications and time/resources on software patches and updates. Hosting Providers and ISVs revenue-share the resulting subscription fee paid by the end-user customer.

Service Providers

As a service provider, you are most likely already delivering some form or level of SaaS to your customers and are well positioned to take advantage of this growing trend. Parallels delivers a SaaS platform to help you offer applications that will increase your average revenue per customer, increase customer retention and attract new customers.

To find our more on how to increase your revenue with SaaS, please visit the Service Providers SaaS page.

ISVs

SaaS offers Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) the opportunity to deliver their existing software applications to new markets or existing markets in a new way. Small and Medium size Businesses (SMBs) which do not have the expertise or capital budget to purchase, install, and manage your application, can subscribe to your hosted application for a recurring fee, part of which is passed onto you. Parallels can even help you find specific service providers to host your application or you can offer your application yourself through the use of Parallels Automation and Virtualization Products.

To find our more on how to offer your application with SaaS, please visit the ISV SaaS page.

How Parallels is helping to enable SaaS

Parallels delivers standards, virtualization and automation software to help Service Providers and ISVs deliver SaaS quickly and profitably.

• Standards. The Application Packaging Standard (APS) allows ISVs to package their applications so that they can be rapidly deployed using control panels such as Parallels Plesk Panel and Parallels Automation. This helps providers access applications quickly, making it easy to deploy a large variety of applications in a standard process. In this way, ISVs can get their applications to market faster through the valuable Hosting Service Provider channel.
• Virtualization. Parallels Virtuozzo Containers provide an isolated environment so single instance applications can be deployed without using the resources of an entire server. Virtuozzo Containers provide minimal overhead to maximize the number of customers that can be deployed on a single server while providing superior performance and the necessary isolation from other applications.
• Automation. Parallels Plesk Panel and Parallels Automation can automate the delivery of SaaS applications. Service Providers can increase their profitability with automation by reducing the time spent provisioning applications, adding users, configuring applications, and billing customers.

How do I get started?

Whether you are an ISV or a Hosting Service Provider, Parallels provides the tools that you need to offer SaaS solutions and enjoy an additional source of revenue.

Service Providers: Click here to learn more about implementing SaaS and how you can increase your average revenue per customer.

ISVs: Click here to learn more about how Parallels can help you become part of the growing SaaS ecosystem.

Have Questions?

Contact the Parallels SaaS Team.