For any Independent Software Vendor (ISV), developing a SaaS application is an exceptionally challenging task. First of all, designing and developing a single-instance, multi-tenanted application is a complicated process. Secondly, a SaaS Platform has many modules which are simply not found in an on-premises application.

Despite having the necessary application domain knowledge, few ISV's have all of the necessary architectural design experience and development resources needed to develop a successful SaaS-Application Platform. Furthermore, time-to-market pressure may necessitate partnering with an external product development company to gain on-demand access to SaaS specialists and scalable development resources.

The ZSL SaaS practice maintains and cultivates all of the necessary SaaS Design and Development skills required to assist ISV's in bringing complex multi-tenanted SaaS applications to market in a timely and cost effective manner.

If migrating to the SaaS model is currently on your agenda, contact ZSL to help identify and execute a winning SaaS strategy. To learn more about our SaaS development process, how we can help transform your business from an Application Package vendor to a SaaS vendor, our application transformation methodology, as well as our feasibility study and complementary services to determine if moving to SaaS is right for your organization, please read on or contact us today. Our experts are ready to help you.

SaaS Feasibility Study

Almost all ISV's have to consider the 'SaaS question' at some point in time.

The SaaS question is a big issue and is as much a commercial concern, as it is a technical concern. It is also a matter that justifies looking for an external IT services partner, both to provide specialist advice and to deliver cost effective 'heavy lifting'.

ZSL's preferred method of engaging with ISV's is therefore via a feasibility study, designed to bring together the ISV's technical and commercial people, as well as introducing ZSL SaaS specialists into the discussion.

The ZSL Feasibility Study normally lasts 2 - 4 weeks. The deliverable is the SaaS Feasibility Study Report, to provide the information necessary to support the ISV's go/no-go decision.

SaaS Application Development Process

Due to greater technical complexity, SaaS application development often requires considerable up-front design and architecture work. Once the key design and development decisions are made, the process often utilizes an Agile development methodology, aimed at bringing modules of the application online as soon as possible.

During ongoing operations, Agile is also a good choice of methodology because designers and developers have real-time access to the SaaS platform and can quickly re-prioritize development in response to user behavior. SaaS developers can therefore take advantage of 'click-driven' research and development, poll-based development, and feature-by-feature release and evolution.

The initimacy of the SaaS platform enables designers and developers to be much more in touch with customer requirements as compared to traditional on-premises software developers, so that not only is the development process more agile, but the whole SaaS business is more agile.

Business Transformation

ZSL works with ISV's to help manage the transition from Application Package vendor to SaaS vendor, by assessing and planning for the investment required to embrace the SaaS model, and for the transition to SaaS operation and revenue generation.

For many ISV's there is great potential in becoming a SaaS vendor, but the technical and commercial barriers are high. It makes sense to partner with a SaaS transition specialist in order to transition as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.

Application Transformation

There are several ways of transforming an existing application package to the SaaS model. ZSL works with ISV's to identify the best form of transition, depending upon the objectives and the available budget.

ZSL can also help to achieve a dual mode of operation which enables ISV's to transform from a software license business model to a balanced software license and SaaS subscription business model. Alternatively, a pure SaaS mode can be engineered to enable the ISV to attain the highest possible level of business efficiency and compete effectively against international competitors.