If your team uses Microsoft 365, Zoom, or Dropbox, you’re already relying on SaaS. Software as a Service (Saas) has become a staple in organizations of every size, yet many business leaders don’t realize this is a part of managed IT ecosystems.
In a nutshell, SaaS is software delivered online with no installation required.
For more context on IT Services, make sure to check out What are IT Services and What Do They Include? to get some broader context on this topic.
What Is SaaS?
Let’s redefine Software as a Service or SaaS: it is a type of service delivered through the cloud: apps hosted on servers, accessed via the internet. In this case, businesses pay subscription fees instead of purchasing licenses. And the convenience is definitely a great advantage: access anywhere, updates are automatic, and very minimal setup is required. It is definitely better than old on-prem installs that required ongoing manual maintenance.
Why SaaS Counts as an IT Service
Well, the core reasoning is the following: it’s software managed and delivered as a service. SaaS supports daily IT operations such as communication, storage, and productivity. Which is why companies rely on providers for:
- Infrastructure hosting.
- Security and uptime.
- Updates and support.
Examples of SaaS Applications
Some common SaaS applications used daily by businesses are:
- Collaboration: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace.
- Video Conferencing: Zoom, Teams.
- File Storage: Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive.
- Finance: QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks.
- CRM/Marketing: Salesforce, HubSpot.
This illustrates how SaaS covers everything from daily operations and productivity tools to niche tools and specialized industry software like HR systems.
Benefits of SaaS for Businesses
With its integrated support benefits, SaaS brings several advantages to businesses that leverage them properly:
- Lower upfront cost: no servers or installation fees. Subscription-based instead of costly licenses.
- Scalability: add/remove users instantly as your operation changes.
- Accessibility: remote teams log in anywhere.
- Automatic updates: always on the latest version without any manual upgrades.
- Security: centralized protection and advanced security measures from the provider side by default.
SaaS vs Traditional IT
Traditional IT services generally mean manual installations of the software on company servers, alongside complex maintenance. SaaS eliminates most of these burdens, whereby the provider handles everything, allowing clients to focus on usage, not upkeep.
This doesn’t mean that SaaS replaces IT services; it’s only one piece of the puzzle, and it needs IT oversight for data governance and user control. And businesses still need support for:
- Cybersecurity to protect SaaS data.
- Integration services to connect SaaS apps with other systems.
- Strategic IT planning to ensure SaaS choices align with business goals.
How ACT360 Supports SaaS
At ACT360, we help businesses harness the full potential of SaaS by:
- Advising on SaaS selection based on business needs.
- Managing setup and integration with other IT systems.
- Ensuring security and compliance with PIPEDA/HIPAA where needed.
- Providing helpdesk support for cloud applications and training staff to fully adopt and properly utilize Saas platforms.
You can learn more about ACT360’s IT Services here: ACT360 IT Services.
Conclusion
So, is SaaS an IT service? Most definitely. SaaS is an IT service: it’s software delivered and maintained through managed infrastructure, providing accessibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. It complements IT strategy and support by giving businesses the tools they need to operate efficiently.
Curious which SaaS tools fit your workflow best? Talk to ACT360’s team to plan your cloud strategy by calling 705-739-2281 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
SaaS and managed IT services overlap, but they’re not the same thing. SaaS refers to specific applications, like Microsoft 365 or QuickBooks Online, that a vendor hosts and maintains for you over the internet. Managed IT is broader: it covers the infrastructure, security, and support around all of your technology, including the SaaS tools you rely on. Businesses often use both together rather than choosing one or the other.
No, SaaS actually still needs oversight, it just shifts where that oversight has to happen. The vendor handles hosting, uptime, and software updates, but someone still needs to manage user access, integrate the tool with the rest of your systems, and make sure it’s configured securely. That’s typically where a managed IT provider steps in, even for a fully cloud-based tool stack.
Security responsibility is split between the two. SaaS providers are generally responsible for securing the infrastructure the application runs on, servers, data centers, and the software itself, while the business using it is responsible for things like managing who has access, using strong authentication, and configuring the settings correctly. Getting that division wrong is one of the more common gaps in SaaS security today.
Usually, yes, at least in terms of upfront cost. SaaS eliminates the need to buy servers, install software on every machine, or maintain complex on-site systems, since the provider handles hosting and updates through a subscription fee instead. Whether it stays cheaper over years of subscriptions depends on how many tools you’re paying for and whether they’re being used efficiently, accumulating unused SaaS licenses is a common way costs creep up quietly.
Collaboration and video tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Zoom are SaaS. So are file storage platforms such as Dropbox and OneDrive, along with accounting software like QuickBooks Online and CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot. If your team logs into any of these through a browser rather than installing them from a disc, you’re already running on SaaS.
There’s usually a tell: if nobody could quickly list every SaaS subscription the business is paying for, that’s usually a sign it’s grown unmanaged rather than strategically. A quick environment assessment can map out what’s actually in use, what overlaps, and where security gaps might be hiding. ACT360 offers a no-obligation assessment that covers exactly this as part of a broader IT review.
