SaaS Adoption: Crafting the Perfect Path – Build or Buy?

Currently, the magnetic pull towards SaaS solutions is undeniable. The promise of swift deployment, liberation from traditional implementation headaches, and the allure of reduced time-to-value are steering companies into the SaaS orbit. Yet, as organizations navigate this digital frontier, a pivotal question looms: to build or to buy?

The prevailing sentiment among business leaders is no longer whether to embrace SaaS solutions, but rather, how to strategically approach the build-or-buy dilemma. This decision hinges on a company’s IT savviness and the specific processes or tasks it aims to automate or digitize. Depending upon the decision, a SaaS application developer can work accordingly so let’s delve into the factors that influence whether to build or buy a SaaS solution.

Factors That Influence Whether to Build or Buy a SaaS Solution:

1. Testing Fast, Failing Fast

For technology-led businesses, agility is paramount. Embracing the agile methodology accelerates the decision-making process, emphasizing time to market as a critical consideration. In this context, opting for an off-the-shelf SaaS solution for a pilot implementation, despite potential shortcomings, proves faster and more efficient than developing a custom solution from scratch at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage.

Initiating this process involves crafting clear terms of reference (ToR) that outline the system requirements. This document serves as the basis for selecting two to three off-the-shelf MVP options for testing. The primary goal during MVP testing is to identify shortcomings quickly and pivot to the next option if the solution fails to meet requirements.

2. Assessment of The Right Fit

During the testing phase, SaaS solutions are evaluated based on four key criteria:

• User Interface (UI): The UI must offer an intuitive and convenient experience, eliminating the need for extensive user training.
• Available Support: Responsive and quality support is crucial. A reliable support team that provides real-time engagement and feedback is a key factor in the decision-making process.
• Scores Against ToR: The system is evaluated against the defined terms of reference to determine if it meets the MVP requirements or if some functionalities are missing.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): TCO is a critical factor encompassing licenses, workstation costs, additional storage requirements, and more. A three-year forecast is essential, considering not only the cost of SaaS ownership but also internal resources for support, customization, backup storage, and consulting.

During the testing process, companies often discover that certain functionalities initially deemed necessary may not be essential. Alternatively, they may find ways to fulfill these requirements through alternative use cases, scenarios, or alternative functionalities.

The goal is to strike a balance between functionality and cost, ensuring that the chosen SaaS solution aligns with the company’s objectives and offers a satisfactory user experience.

3. Crafting the Perfect Path

Crafting the perfect path in the build-or-buy decision involves a meticulous evaluation of the unique needs and dynamics of the business. It requires a strategic blend of agility, thorough testing, and a keen understanding of the desired outcomes. The decision to build or buy a SaaS solution is not a one-size-fits-all scenario; instead, it requires a nuanced approach tailored to the company’s goals and IT capabilities.

For businesses considering SaaS adoption, the key lies in navigating the dynamic landscape with a mix of flexibility and foresight. By embracing agile methodologies and thoroughly assessing off-the-shelf solutions based on UI, support, ToR alignment, and TCO, companies can make informed decisions that align with their long-term objectives.

Are you clear now that:

The build-or-buy decision stands as a pivotal crossroad. Testing fast and failing fast through agile methodologies allows companies to expedite the decision-making process. Evaluating SaaS solutions based on UI, support, ToR alignment, and TCO provides a comprehensive understanding of their viability for SaaS Application Developers. Crafting the perfect path involves a strategic blend of agility, testing, and a nuanced understanding of the company’s unique requirements. In the dynamic realm of SaaS adoption, the key to success lies in making informed decisions that propel the business towards a more agile, efficient, and digitally empowered future.

The FAQ’s:

FAQ 1. Why is the build-or-buy decision considering a pivotal crossroad in SaaS adoption?

The build-or-buy decision is pivotal because it determines whether a company should develop a custom solution or purchase an off-the-shelf SaaS application. It impacts factors like time-to-market, agility, and overall efficiency, making it a crucial decision in navigating the digital landscape.

FAQ 2. How does testing fast and failing fast contribute to the decision-making process in SaaS adoption?

Testing fast and failing fast, as part of agile methodologies, allows companies to quickly identify shortcomings in off-the-shelf SaaS solutions during the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage. This accelerates the decision-making process, helping businesses pivot to alternative options if a solution fails to meet their specific requirements.

FAQ 3. What criteria should be considered when evaluating SaaS solutions during the testing phase?

During the testing phase, SaaS solutions should be evaluated based on User Interface (UI) intuitiveness, the responsiveness of support services, alignment with defined terms of reference (ToR), and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Balancing functionality and cost is crucial to ensure the chosen solution aligns with the company’s objectives.

FAQ 4. How can companies strike a balance between functionality and cost in the build-or-buy decision?

Companies can strike a balance by thoroughly assessing off-the-shelf solutions based on UI, support quality, ToR alignment, and TCO. It involves identifying essential functionalities, exploring alternative use cases, and considering long-term objectives. The goal is to ensure the chosen SaaS solution provides a satisfactory user experience while aligning with the company’s budget and goals.

FAQ 5. Is the build-or-buy decision a one-size-fits-all scenario, or does it require a tailored approach?

The build-or-buy decision is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. It demands a nuanced approach tailored to the unique needs, dynamics, and IT capabilities of each business. Crafting the perfect path involves a strategic blend of agility, thorough testing, and a keen understanding of the desired outcomes to make informed decisions that lead the business toward a more agile, efficient, and digitally empowered future.