SaaS technology has been profitable for many sectors. Saas stands for Software as a service and is being successfully used by schools and universities all over the world. Let us look at what SaaS is and how it helps in Education Sector.

What is SaaS?

Software as a Service is a method of software delivery that hosts the software centrally and is used by clients on a subscription basis. This means that users (in this case schools) do not have to install the software or host it on their server. They can simply plug-in through internet and use all the features of the software. This is also known as cloud service.  Common examples of cloud services we use in daily life are emails, Facebook and office tools such as Microsoft office.

This model of software delivery was introduced by the company Concur in 1998 and become very popular after the dot com crash of 2001.

Let’s now look at how SaaS can help in Education Sector.

How SaaS can help Education Sector

• Faster Installation

Installing a school ERP or SIS system is a time-consuming process.  Schools and universities have to invest in servers, software installation and other hardware. Steps such as data entry, testing of core functionality, installation of setups in all desktops and staff training take up a lot of time.

On the other hand SaaS technology can have school ERP up and running in no time in your school. Since software can be accessed from any web browser, all the lengthy steps of installation are eliminated.

• Flexible costs

SaaS also lowers fixed costs that come with software installation traditionally. SaaS plans are flexible and ‘pay-as-you-use’ model. This means that you only pay for the services you use. Besides, you also have the flexibility to use certain add on modules for some months only.

For example, a school may want to use the admission and re-enrollment module only in the admission season. This saves school budget from being spent on redundant services.

• Remote Working

Cloud service also give your staff the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. Staff can login from any place as long as they have access to internet connection. Software can also be accessed on mobile, laptop or tablet as per user’s convenience. This gives staff the freedom to work from home.

Teachers too benefit from remote working and students can upload assignments from home.

• Data Security

Schools have sensitive student information in their database. Security of data and data loss risks are better taken care in a SaaS technology. The data is stored centrally but always has a back up location as vendors cannot afford to lose customer data. Risk of data theft is also minimal as they have stringent security measure with regular security checks and firewall upgrades.

• Latest Technology

On-site school ERP system not only has higher fixed cost but also incurs additional costs for maintenance, upgrade and repair.

In case of SaaS, all latest update, timely maintenance and repairs are will be the responsibility of the vendor. Although the cost will be passed on to the school, it is spread between many clients and comes to a small amount. This also makes sure that you get the latest technology and features available without bothering about latest developments on the technology front.

Final Thoughts

SaaS technology is great for small and medium size school and universities. It gives you all possible features of ERP in a flexible and cost effective plan. You can leave data management, security and maintenance to the experts and focus on managing your school better with cloud software.

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