SaaS: Transform your legacy software into software as a service

In the current context of information technology, SaaS is a model in which applications are offered via the internet, allowing remote access and a subscription structure .

Thus, this model allows companies to access tools and software without needing to install, maintain, or update their own hardware and software. The simplicity of access characterizes SaaS: users only need an internet connection to use the services.

What is the difference between SaaS and legacy software?

SaaS is fundamentally different from software , also known as legacy software. While legacy software typically requires installation, hardware , and an initial license purchase, SaaS operates on a cloud-based , provided and managed by a third party .

In this way, users have a subscription model that eliminates the need for large initial investments, offering web -based software . The key factor here is accessibility, since the services can be accessed from anywhere, at any time, with just an internet connection.

How can SaaS impact your business?

Adopting the SaaS model in a business can revolutionize how enterprise applications are implemented and managed. For example, business applications such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) are available as subscription services.

Thus, they become more accessible to companies of all sizes. This allows organizations to take advantage of solutions that were previously expensive and complex to implement.

The benefits of SaaS include reduced operational and capital costs , since responsibility for IT infrastructure shifts to the service provider. Cloud services offer scalability as business demand grows, without the burden of software and hardware .

Furthermore, customization and continuous updates ensure that SaaS solutions remain up-to-date with the latest features and security compliance.

The main challenges of maintaining legacy software

Maintaining legacy software presents a number of challenges, ranging from difficulties with documentation to issues of technological obsolescence. These problems can directly affect the security, performance, and financial viability of an organization's operations. 

Check out some of these challenges below:

Lack of proper documentation

The lack of documentation hinders maintenance and updates , as the developers and engineers who take over the software do not always have complete information about the original architecture or functionalities. This complicates the management of the entire IT infrastructure involved.

Security risks

Security risks are much greater with legacy software , as it often does not receive the necessary updates that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Ensuring robust security becomes a challenge, as it compromises the integrity of the network and the data stored on the servers.

High maintenance costs

The cost of maintaining software is often high, as it requires specialists with specific knowledge, in addition to potential expenses for hardware to support the system. This makes legacy systems a loss compared to investing in more modern solutions.

Dependence on specific suppliers

Dependence on specific suppliers occurs when components, parts, or even expertise for maintenance and support come from a single source , which generates service level agreement (SLA) problems and risks associated with service continuity.

Technological obsolescence

Technological obsolescence means that software may not be compatible with new technologies or market standards, isolating the company from innovations that could improve the efficiency, performance, and management of its IT infrastructure.

The benefits of adopting the SaaS model

As we have seen, adopting the SaaS model offers a number of advantages to companies, including operational agility, substantial reduction in IT costs, and the ability to scale resources as needed.

Simplified maintenance and access to advanced technological resources are further benefits that contribute to efficiency and competitiveness in today's market. See details below:

Agility and flexibility

SaaS-based systems are hosted in the cloud, enabling rapid deployment and access from anywhere. This allows companies to adapt to new market conditions more quickly, adopting new applications or adjusting existing features almost instantly.

Cost reduction

Predictable cost structures are one of the advantages of SaaS. The subscription-based model eliminates upfront infrastructure costs and reduces operational expenses, as there is no need for IT teams for system upgrades

Scalability

On-demand scalability is fundamental in the SaaS model. Companies can scale software usage up or down depending on their current needs, allowing for closer alignment with demand and leveraging economies of scale.

Simplified maintenance

SaaS users are always working with the most up-to-date version of the software , thanks to automatic updates managed by the service provider. This removes the complexity and responsibility of system maintenance from the scope of the company's IT team.

Access to advanced features

SaaS offers access to services and technologies that would be costly or complex to implement independently. Thus, companies benefit from cutting-edge functionalities , such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, in an accessible way and without investing in hardware .

How to transform legacy software into SaaS?

Transforming legacy software into a SaaS solution involves a strategic process that requires detailed planning and careful execution to ensure that the software not only adapts to the cloud-based model but also meets modern service expectations.

Here are some things to consider about this process:

Feasibility assessment

This is the starting point for transforming software software must be considered . Cost-benefit analysis and compatibility with existing infrastructure are fundamental to determining if migration is feasible.

Migration strategies

After assessing feasibility, the next step is to define migration strategies. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an approach that minimizes risks and operational disruptions. Some options include:

• Rearchitect: involves adjusting the code for better performance in the cloud;
• Replatform: involves minor modifications to adapt to the new environment;
• Rehosting involves migrating applications without any code modifications.

Security

Security in the SaaS model is of utmost importance. Ensuring data protection in the cloud requires measures such as encryption , identity and access management, and constant updates to prevent vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a cloud provider that strictly adheres to security and privacy standards.

Integration and APIs

Effective integration is key to successful SaaS, allowing the software to communicate with other systems and services. Using well-designed APIs facilitates this integration and opens avenues for expanding functionality. Employing middleware and ensuring compatibility with PaaS and IaaS are critical aspects for seamless integration.

Transform your software with Skyone

Now that you know the advantages of transforming your software into SaaS, you need to know that we at Skyone are the ideal partners to carry out this transformation efficiently and securely!

cloud computing module features Skyone Autosky , which has everything you need to migrate, manage, and orchestrate your software in the cloud securely – and without headaches!

Want to learn more about our platform? Request a demo!

Conclusion

The SaaS model is increasingly becoming an efficient and scalable alternative for companies. As we have seen, the advantages include the flexibility of a subscription model, significant reductions in infrastructure costs, and ease of upgrade and maintenance processes, which are handled by the provider.

Adopting SaaS allows companies to offer a uniform and continuous service, leading to a high level of customer satisfaction . Given market trends, the constant growth in preference for cloud , indicating a promising future for SaaS.

In this context, take the opportunity to thoroughly understand how cloud migration processes work – as this is a crucial factor for the success of your operation. Check out our complete guide!

Written by Skyone