SaaS-y: preparing for a practice that uses SaaS.

• Author: Gray, Bruce A.
• Position: CloudTechnology

As the tech envelope continues to be pushed further and further, it has started to drive the transformation of professional services practices. A big part of the transformation is the increasing use of software as a service (SaaS). Essentially; SaaS is a subscription model for software, which is hosted in the cloud rather than on a desktop. You might recognize SaaS applications such as QuickBooks Online; cloud-based storage systems (Dropbox and SugarSync); web-based time and billing software; and Office 365. And there has been a proliferation of software developed and being licensed under this business model.

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Technical writers have been suggesting the demise of the desktop PC as newer platforms like the iPad. Android and Windows-based tablets have entered the market. Even smartphones have become larger and more powerful and versatile. The increasing demand 1w mobile access to data also is driving the trend away the traditional desktop computer. The upcoming generation of workers has a different view on how and when work is accomplished. They're demanding a greater flexibility in the lines between work and leisure time, and often engage in one in the midst of the other. The platforms mentioned above allow them to make productive use of otherwise idle time.

Intel announced in February its plan to scale back, and eventually eliminate, development of chipsets for desktop computers within three years. Even software companies are devoting significantly less time and resources in desktop applications and focusing on SaaS-based applications.

I recently attended the ALCMs Digital CPA Conference in Washington. D.C., where the chief economist for the National Federation of Independent Business said that, in the recent recession and uncertainly in the domestic and global economies, businesses are looking for the most cost efficient ways to get the job done. Scalable soli ware Licensing cost, and the elimination of the internal cost of hardware and software maintenance are compelling argument, for using SaaS. So the trend is becoming cleat Software licensing as we've known it is in the midst of change. How do we, as professionals, prepare ourselves for the change? How can we use the new tools to our advantage? What will our practices look like in the future?

Adapting to Change

The first challenge to conquer will be attitudes toward the change. There's a sense of losing control when you're dependent upon a...