Discover 7 valuable Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions that can empower small businesses to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and achieve growth. From accounting and CRM to project management and cybersecurity, the cloud-based tools offer both power and convenience that can help small businesses transform their operations.
The cloud has transformed that way we develop, host, deploy and access software forever.
Software-as-a-Service (or SaaS, as it is commonly referred to) simply means that a software is hosted in the cloud, rather than on a local device. This then allows for the remote access of applications, across all platforms and endpoints, regardless of location.
This software model has a number of valuable benefits for small businesses in particular. For example, one small business we spoke to – TechQuarters, a provider of small business IT support London-based companies of all kind have relied on since 2010 – stated that they rely on SaaS for collaboration, file management, customer support, and virtually every other function in their organisation.
Below is 7 different examples of software-as-a-service, all of which are beneficial to small businesses:
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Accounting and Finance Solutions
Accounting is famously one of the number 1 headaches for most small businesses. Efficient financial management is important, not just for peace of mind, but to ensure budgets are optimized, and the organisation is operating within the remit of the law.
Modern accounting solutions are almost all cloud-based, placing them firmly in the SaaS category. Some popular options for SaaS accounting solutions include:
- QuickBooks Online
- Xero
- Wave
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Solutions
Strong customer relationships are consistently linked with business success – it supports public image, encourages customer loyalty, and increases the number of return customers an organisation gets (thus making for a healthier business).
Customer relationship management solutions help streamline, automate, and improve the accuracy of the actions and processes needed to build a good customer relationship. Many of the best CRM solutions out there now have an SaaS model. Common choices include:
- Salesforce
- HubSpot CRM
- Zoho CRM
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Project Management Solutions
Project management is a valuable function for all businesses, but for small businesses, where budgets may be tight, it can be hugely beneficial to leverage a good PM solution.
Project management solutions help optimize the accuracy of projects, keep them on track, and (most importantly) keep them within budget. Some common project management solutions available as-a-service include:
- Asana
- Trello
- com
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Communication and Collaboration Solutions
Seamless communication in business is among the most sought-after improvements in most businesses. Better communication corresponds to better collaboration, and more efficient workflows.
Modern SaaS communication solutions typically combine several different channels of communication into a single platform – namely instant messaging, internet telephony, and video calls. Some popular options include:
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Workspace
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Antivirus/Antimalware Solutions
In today’s tech-driven business landscape, cybersecurity is a number one priority for all. We asked TechQuarters, as a provider of business IT support London-based businesses use often, about the cyber risk small businesses are exposed to. They confirmed that SMBs around the world are becoming an increasingly common target for major cyber-attacks.
Software-as-a-service has enabled many businesses to leveraging better security solutions at a lower price. Some common examples of cloud-based security solutions for devices includes:
- Norton Small Business
- McAfee Small Business Security
- Avast Business Antivirus
Embracing Software-as-a-Service
The accessibility and scalability of cloud-based solutions of SaaSsolutions can be a game-changer for small businesses. Having provided IT support for legal firms, architects, accountants, and small businesses in many other sectors, TechQuarters reiterated the value of SaaS for all kinds of organisations.
By utilizing these innovative tools, entrepreneurs can enjoy numerous benefits – from cost-effectiveness to scalability, access to cutting-edge technology, and more.
Embrace the power of SaaS and unlock a world of possibilities for your small business.
