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.
Questions Business Owners Ask About SaaS and IT Support
SaaS is part of the managed IT picture, but it isn’t the whole thing. SaaS refers to specific applications like Microsoft 365 or QuickBooks Online that a provider hosts, secures and updates for you. Managed IT covers the support, security and planning around all your technology, including those SaaS tools.
You still need IT oversight, because SaaS shifts the work rather than removing it. The vendor handles hosting, uptime and updates, but someone still has to govern your data, control user access, integrate the tool with your other systems and plan how it all fits together. That’s where ACT360 helps, from choosing the right SaaS tools to setup, integration, security, helpdesk support and staff training. Even a fully cloud-based tool stack needs someone looking after it.
Both share it, since the provider secures the hosting infrastructure while your business still controls data governance and user access. That’s why cybersecurity support stays on the list even after you move to SaaS.
Upfront costs are usually lower, because you pay a subscription instead of buying licences, servers and on-site installations. Automatic updates and minimal setup also cut the maintenance burden that comes with traditional IT. Long-term cost depends on how many subscriptions you carry and how well they’re managed.
Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom and Teams are all SaaS, and so are Dropbox and OneDrive for storage. Finance tools like QuickBooks Online and FreshBooks and CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot fall into the same category. If your team logs in through a browser instead of installing software on a server, you’re already using SaaS.
A good test is whether anyone on your team can quickly explain which tools you use, who has access and how they connect. If that’s unclear, it’s worth a conversation about selection, integration and security before more subscriptions pile up. ACT360 offers a free consultation, and you can reach the team at 705-739-2281.
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