The cost of SaaS (software as a service) versus on premise costs in 2023?

What is the cost of SaaS (software of a service) versus on premise costs?

Software as a Service (SaaS) has become increasingly popular over the years, as it offers many benefits over traditional on-premise software. With the rise of cloud computing, SaaS has become the go-to option for many businesses, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution. However, as companies seek to grow and expand, different systems may offer different advantages depending on the type of tasks and functions being performed.

At some point, many businesses will need to make a decision between paying for SaaS based software or investing in an on-premise solution.

What is SaaS?

SaaS refers to software that is delivered over the internet, rather than being installed on local servers. This means that users can access the software from any device with an internet connection, making it a convenient and flexible solution. SaaS is typically priced on a subscription basis, with users paying a monthly or annual fee for access to the software.

What are On-Premise Solutions?
On-premise software, refers to software that is installed and run on local servers within a company’s own data centre. This requires a significant upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure, as well as ongoing maintenance and support costs. On-premise software is typically licensed on a perpetual basis, with users paying an upfront fee for the right to use the software indefinitely.

Cost Comparison

When making a cost comparison between SaaS and on-premise software, there are several factors to consider including –

Upfront Costs

The most significant difference between SaaS and on-premise software is the upfront costs. With SaaS, there is typically no upfront cost beyond the initial subscription fee, which can be much more affordable for smaller businesses. On-premise software, can require a significant upfront investment in hardware and infrastructure, as well as the software itself, amounting to a substantial expense.

Ongoing Costs

In addition to the upfront costs, there are also ongoing costs to consider. With SaaS, users pay a monthly or annual subscription fee for access to the software, which can be more predictable and easier to budget for. With on-premise software, ongoing maintenance and support costs, as well as the cost of upgrades and updates to the software, will need to be factored in.

Scalability

Another issue to consider is scalability. SaaS is typically more scalable than on-premise software, as users can easily add or remove users as needed, without the need for additional hardware or infrastructure. On-premise software, with the additional hardware and infrastructure needed to scale, can be costly and time-consuming.

Maintenance and Support

With SaaS, maintenance and support are typically included in the subscription fee, which can be convenient and add up to a significant cost savings for businesses. On-premise software, may require ongoing maintenance and support, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are critical factors to consider when comparing SaaS and on-premise software. With SaaS, security and compliance are typically handled by the vendor, which can be a significant benefit for businesses that lack the expertise or resources to manage these issues on their own. With on-premise software, security and compliance are the responsibility of the business, which can pose risks to things like security or data access.

Conclusion

The costs and suitability of SaaS compared to on-premise software will depend on a variety of different factors and companies will need to weigh up the pros and cons of each solution. While SaaS can be more affordable and scalable, on-premise software may be a better fit for larger enterprises with larger or more complex needs. Each option should be carefully evaluated to choose the solution that best meets business needs and available budget.

All i2B’s solutions are cloud based and come with the security and reassurances that this offers. If you have any questions on any of our solutions fill in the form below and we will come back to you.