By WeathersfieldTM

Are you thinking about using Software as a service (SaaS) as a solution for your IT needs, but aren’t quite sure what to expect? Are you worried about security and want to learn more about what you can do to keep things running smoothly?

Let’s dissect the major potential problems and tips on how to avoid them.

After all, SaaS and cloud computing is developing so rapidly, that it would be unwise to stay behind just because of a few concerns.

3 major issues with SaaS

Though you may have read tons of stuff on SaaS and the whole thing seems complicated and scary, it really isn’t so. All potential threats can be divided into three major categories: hacking related issues, unavailable data, and your service provider closing down. Ultimately, every problem that you might have is a consequence of these three issues.

Hacking is a problem that affects everyone. There can be a data breach even if you’re using an on-site software.

If there is unexpected maintenance or a problem with your internet connection, your software and data might be unavailable and you won’t be able to continue with your work.

Lastly, if your service provider goes under, you might lose your work if you don’t make the necessary precautions.

What can be done?

A solid recovery plan is a must for any serious business in order to ensure the security of their work. Talk with your provider about their security assessments and analysis. Get acquainted with their disaster recovery plan and protocol. Even if it’s rock solid, it’s wise to do a backup of crucial data yourself as well.

To avoid any issues with data unavailability, use software escrow. Software escrow is a form of insurance that will guarantee you’ll be able to access your work regardless of the provider’s interruption.

You have to keep in mind a few important things when considering your escrow agreement. Make sure you know what is covered by escrow and that that is sufficient for you to continue with your work smoothly. This means that you have to check if you’re allowed to make updates and customizations to your software and that the escrow will still cover it.

A good escrow agreement will also cover the cases when your SaaS provider goes under. However, you will also have to be prepared to provide the crucial infrastructure, i.e. software and servers, as soon as possible. The second option is to find another SaaS provider.

Your escrow contract might help you do all this in just 24 hours.

It all comes down to whom you’re doing business with. The most important thing you can do to keep safe when using SaaS is to do a good background check and choose the right provider.

Digging a little deeper, and not just looking at the price, will ultimately save you time and effort and you won’t worry as much.

Try to find as many references as you can. Read online forums, ask your colleagues for recommendations.

Look into the financial and legal backgrounds of any potential candidates. Discuss any issues you might have with your top choices and pick the one that makes you feel the most at ease. Read the fine print.

SaaS is a great way to save time and money, and concentrate on your work. A few self-evident precaution methods will be enough to keep your work safe and your business thriving. 

About the Author

Jorge Sagastume is a Vice President at EscrowTech International, Inc. with 12 years of experience protecting IP and earning the trust of the greatest companies in the world. Jorge has been invited to speak on IP issues by foreign governments and international agencies. You can connect with Jorge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgesagastume