Understanding the Difference Between SaaS and Traditional B2B Software Models

The software industry is renowned for its rapid innovation and tendency to change, and the present evolution of the software business models is a vivid example of this. It might be challenging to sort through the enormous range of software business models as software companies must weigh various distinct variables.

Choosing the best software model has become essential as more and more companies continue to rely on software to power their operations and ensure profitability. Hence, the decision between traditional Business-to-Business (B2B) software models and Software as a Service (SaaS) can impact a company's performance.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the differences between SaaS and traditional B2B software models, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and how businesses can choose the right model for their needs.

SaaS B2B Software Model

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a business model where software developers create a program and charge a subscription fee to access and utilize it. In SaaS, users can access programs through the internet without installing software on their local devices. The solutions provided by SaaS software are frequently utilized to address certain pain points and boost productivity at various organizational levels.

But, SaaS business models go beyond merely subscription payments and cloud services. Understanding that this quickly evolving business is much more than just selling subscriptions is crucial. SaaS companies can charge even more for ongoing support, premium onboarding, and other selling services to raise money.

One of the objectives of a successful SaaS business model in today's market is to assist business leaders and their teams in coordinating more successfully within a specific firm. Popular software programs like Dropbox, Microsoft Office 365, and Salesforce, HubSpot, Shopify, MailChimp, Avada, Slack are examples of SaaS apps.

Traditional B2B Software Model

Traditional B2B software, in contrast, is hosted locally on computers rather than remotely, as the software must be installed by users on their hardware, who may also need IT support for setup, configuration, and upkeep. Under the traditional B2B software model, customers purchase the software once for a set price as they are buying the software rather than renting it. The one-time license charge only partially rewards the software vendor for their ongoing effort to maintain the software application.

On rare occasions, the perpetual licensing agreement may also grant you access to technical assistance and the ability to download software upgrades. It's also likely that updates and support will always be offered without cost. Perpetual licenses are in high demand and will continue to be for years to come, despite the widespread belief that they are less important due to the cloud and the rise of SaaS products. Some traditional B2B software models are Adobe Creative Cloud, QuickBooks, and Autodesk.

Key Benefits of SaaS and Traditional B2B Software

The main difference between traditional B2B software solutions and SaaS is their technical design. SaaS apps are accessed using web browsers and are hosted on distant servers. The SaaS model uses regular payments as customers rent the software. Depending on the software, prices may be lower but can become exorbitant in the long run. As SaaS doesn't require a physical distributor, this business model enables businesses to buy software licenses directly from the developer.

Smaller organizations requiring an "out of the box" solution can benefit greatly. Also, hardware expenses and other hassles associated with managing your infrastructure, such as data servers, are eliminated. Most SaaS customers receive some client configuration to ensure the service works with its current system and connects. But, if the consumer needs a certain kind of modification, the cost of such a service would be high.

SaaS software requires no technological complexity to run or even start up. They only require connectivity to the internet, which is available everywhere. SaaS software's affordability and appeal are two notable and well-known advantages. You don't need to recruit an expensive staff of technical specialists and employees to work with the software because installing, setting up, and operating is incredibly simple.

Traditional software model

While SaaS is an operating expense, the traditional software model is usually classified as a capital expense. Traditional model software requires a whole new setup at the client, requiring pricey hardware, data center resources, in-house IT staff for the infrastructure, and nearly always significant implementation costs.

Customers often have unlimited access to the traditional software model – this appeals to businesses or people aware of their long-term software needs. They are fully aware of the cost before making a software purchase. After acquiring the program, the customer becomes the owner of it and, in most circumstances, hosts it on its servers. This business model is both alluring and economical when the program is used extensively.

Key Disadvantages of SaaS and Traditional B2B Software

Data security is among the top worries for businesses considering a SaaS-based application approach. Before entrusting any third-party service provider with your business's sensitive data, concerns like identity and access management need to be addressed, and strict precautions must be taken before any sensitive data is disclosed to the service provider.

In addition, transferring your company's crucial data from one service provider to another becomes a difficult undertaking in the event of a failure or if you decide to switch service providers. There may be an integration issue with the current in-house software when using an external SaaS service provider to host several apps.

Compared to its client/server equivalent, it's common for a hosted solution to be deficient in some capabilities or functions. SaaS apps operate more slowly than client/server applications. Hence, you will need to be ready for a slower computing environment compared to a self-hosted one.

Traditional software model licenses have a short lifespan and eventually become obsolete within a few years due to factors like supported hardware. To maintain compatibility with other line-of-business software, you might need to upgrade sometimes. However, updates, patches, and hotfixes are no longer available for versions that have reached their end of life if you continue to use them.

Those who don't believe in the program's utility or are unsure of how long they will need it may find the high initial price to be a barrier. On top of the initial cost of the program, annual maintenance or support expenses may mount, deterring some consumers from the market. Some clients may refrain from paying for continuous program maintenance, which could lead to security flaws.

Choosing the Right Software Model for Your Business

When choosing a software model for your software product, you may be interested in knowing the difference between the two most common software options. Due to the success of subscription software services like Spotify and Netflix, the SaaS model has recently gained ground. Here are what you should take note of:

Cost

It's crucial to take each model's long-term expenses into account. Businesses must consider the present prices and the possibility of price rises over time, even if SaaS may have reduced upfront expenses.

Hosting

Businesses with a traditional software model typically host the software on a server or locally on a device. Under a subscription model, there is less scope for software customization because the software stays on the vendor's or host's servers.

Upgrades and support

System support is usually included in SaaS, updates don't cause any downtime for the customer, and help is available around-the-clock. The license for traditional software includes a restricted warranty and support, and the customer may have access to updates for the software for 90 days to a year or until a newer version is available.

Security

In SaaS, the service provider is required by contract to offer protection. These safeguards include security guarantees, examinations, third-party certifications, notifications of data breaches, and, last but not least, cyberattack insurance. The business hosts the security in the traditional software model.

Lead image from Freepik.