Choosing Between a Web App and a SaaS Platform for Your Business

Majority of business transactions in today's digital economy are carried out via a web browser. From internal data management to customer-facing tools, cloud-based software has become the norm. But a point of confusion emerges between web apps and SaaS platforms. You see, every SaaS platform is a web app. However, it does not necessarily hold true the other way around. The key is in how each of the software is developed and hosted over time. A web application is primarily defined by its technical architecture and user interface. Whereas SaaS refers to a specific business and delivery model. For any modern business it is imperative to understand these structural differences.

In this blog, I will discuss the vital differences between a web app and a SaaS platform.

What Refers to as a Web App?

It too is a software, albeit one hosted on a remote server. Oh, and they are also accessed via a web browser. You know, instead of being installed locally on a device. A web app enables users to interact with data and perform specific tasks such as form submission, content editing, and so on. Interestingly, developers can send updates to all users at once owing to the app logic and data storage being centralized.

SaaS Platform 101: A Quick Download

This one also has to do with software, let's start with that. A SaaS platform is really a software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications. It makes said apps available to customers via the Internet. SaaS is distinguished by its multi-tenant structure wherein a single instance of the software serves multiple global customers. This is done while keeping all users' data strictly partitioned. Users typically access the platform through a recurring subscription rather than a single purchase. The service provider also deals with all technical aspects. This includes server maintenance and security patches.

Web Apps vs SaaS: Key Differences One Mustn't Overlook

Web apps serve specific, customized functions for a single business, while SaaS platforms are scalable, subscription based solutions built for many users. Their differences lie in purpose, deployment, scalability, and overall business model alignment.

Here are some of the core differences;

• Purpose it serves: A web application is designed to solve a specific problem or perform a unique function for one organization only. It is frequently a custom-built internal tool, such as a specialized inventory tracker or a client portal. The primary goal of such apps is to provide personalized user experience and controlling data. A SaaS platform, on the other hand, is a commercial product intended for use by many organizations. Its goal is to provide a ready-to-use service, such as CRM or accounting, that addresses a common business need for thousands of customers at once.
• Deployment: A web application must be manually set up and configured. This means the app's owner must pick the hosting environment. They must also install the application themselves. The next step is network configuration and security settings. Things work differently with SaaS platforms. They receive "instant on" deployment. Since any SaaS platform's infrastructure is already built and hosted, all a new customer has to do is create an account and start using the software.
• Scalability: Web apps, unfortunately, perform poorly in this category. Their scalability is frequently manual and limited. As a result, if more users or data are required, the servers must be manually upgraded or additional servers and load balancers added. Scalability is not an issue with any SaaS platform. First, their scalability is elastic and managed by the provider. Because SaaS platforms use cloud-based infrastructure, they can automatically adjust resources to meet demand.

Final Words

This is pretty much what there's to know about the differences between web apps and SaaS platforms. Choosing between a web app and a SaaS platform ultimately depends on your business goals, scalability needs, and long term vision. Understanding these distinctions empowers you to invest in the solution that best supports sustainable digital growth. So, will you choose web application development services or opt for a SaaS service instead?