ClaimAble Blog

The way in which businesses use and interact with technology is changing. The limitless potential of the internet is continuing to grow, and soon the idea of having dedicated servers running cumbersome software will seem as quaint as a steam train.

At least, that is the idea. If businesses are willing to embrace cloud-based software solutions, they could reap huge financial and operational rewards. Software as a Service can help them do this.

What is Software as a Service?

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a new way of accessing and using software. Traditionally, users would install instances of a piece of software on their computer, with an individual installation required for each user. SaaS reverses this labour- and resource-intensive arrangement – and instead sees a single instance of the software installed in the ‘cloud’, with users accessing it through their web browser.

So, rather than having a piece of software like your word processor or CRM solution installed on your workstation, it is instead stored on a central server to which you have access. You navigate to that piece of software using your browser, in exactly the same way that you navigate to any other web page.

It is likely that you have already used software in this way, perhaps without realising it. Google’s popular Docs system is a good example of SaaS. This system allows on-demand access to web-based software suite that includes a word processor and spreadsheet solution, without the need to install anything on the user’s computer.

The business world was initially slow to embrace SaaS. A range of concerns was expressed, particularly regarding the issue of security. But an increasing number of firms are now beginning to understand that SaaS presents them with the opportunity to use the software they need in a way that is cost-effective, resource-light – and, with new encryption technologies, secure.

SaaS and the insurance industry

SaaS has a number of potential applications for the insurance industry. Firms involved in claims handling are likely to find these technologies particularly useful.

Many claims handlers rely on antiquated software solutions to help them organise and manage their claims data. In many cases this software was not designed with their business in mind, and it is often unwieldy or simply unfit for purpose.

Today, well-designed, bespoke claims management software is available as a SaaS solution. This has a range of important advantages. This software can help you process claims more effectively, and at a lower cost. It can also hep to ease the burden on your IT department, and remove the need for costly dedicated servers.

5 ways SaaS can help your business:

1. It is cost-effective

   SaaS solutions are potentially many magnitudes cheaper than their proprietary counterparts. Costs can be saved in two main areas: setup and deployment, and maintenance.

   SaaS solutions are cheap to set up and deploy because someone else does it for you. You don’t need to dedicate valuable resources to understanding and rolling out what could potentially be a complex piece of software. Instead, the provider does the work on your behalf. By the same token, maintenance is conducted by the provider, leaving your IT staff free to concentrate on other tasks.

2. It is easy to maintain

   Most SaaS solutions include constant upgrades in their cost. This iterative approach is characteristic of many SaaS products; new features and patches are rolled out automatically, with no work required on your part.

3. It is scalable

   This is one of the major advantages of SaaS solutions. No longer will you be constricted by factors like server space or speed. Instead, SaaS products will grow with your business. Part of the beauty of the cloud is that if you need more storage, it can simply be ‘turned on’. Your solution expands to fit your operations, rather than your operations shrinking to fit your resources.

4. It is seamless

   SaaS claims management solutions can be easily integrated into your existing workflow. A well-designed solution will enable you to capture and export data in precisely the format you require, with the absolute minimum effort. Software can also be branded to provide a seamless experience for agents and, where relevant, customers.

5. It is everywhere

   Because SaaS solutions are web-based, they can be accessed from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection, and a reasonably modern web browser. Indeed, some claims management products now include smartphone apps, meaning that you can access the information you need even when you are away from the computer.

Software as a Service looks set to continue to grow in popularity – and with good reason. It allows businesses to run the tools they need cost-effectively, and in a sustainable, scalable way. Perhaps most importantly, though, it provides firms with the opportunity to make software work for them, rather than being forced to waste resources battling with burdensome, unwieldy technology.

This article aims to dispel any uncertainly about the difference between cloud computing and SaaS, and explain how these exciting technologies translate to the business user.

Businesses have a lot to gain from exploiting the next generation of internet services – especially law firms. We are not talking web-enabled legacy applications or simple web based services, but full-blown web based enterprise class applications. Concerns left over from the days of the early internet about security and lack of control ensure that dated, legacy systems are firmly engrained into the psyche of IT departments as their only viable option. Combine that with a general disdain and distrust for IT, and widespread adoption of internet applications in the law industry could be a slow process.

It needn’t be. There are solutions available right now that redefine case and claim management with performance and reliability track records that put most in-house solutions to shame. These enterprise web applications are lightweight, powerful, flexible and affordable. They embody the essence of the internet and allow firms to run more efficiently, save time and money, and operate globally – with seamless data exchange between staff and their clients.

A successful enterprise web application demands an innovative approach. The software as a service (SaaS) model describes an application that is hosted and maintained by a provider who offers specific services to users, without the need for installed software on local machines. It defines the fundamental approach to how web software services are deployed, covering everything from hosting to the pricing model, typically slashing the barrier-to-entry costs and ongoing usage charges. Instead of making high initial capital investments, which then depreciate, businesses can benefit from low setup costs and put their IT budgets to a more economical use without the need for expensive hardware, electricity, maintenance and management costs.

Enter ‘cloud computing’. A broad term for a concept that encompasses SaaS but abstracts the end user away from the difficulties of maintaining a centralised system and allows for a consistent, platform agnostic, user experience. Cloud computing services are always available, instantly offering more capacity when your company grows and gracefully scaling down when there is less demand, meaning you only pay for what you use. Also, by definition, the efficiency of cloud computing makes it inherently environmentally friendly. SaaS and cloud computing go hand in hand, but they are not the same thing.

Cloud computing is a way of maintaining the infrastructure over which an SaaS application is served. It defines an approach employed by the SaaS provider. In fact, one could say, that when you look at the underlying principles, and putting technology aside, cloud computing refers to the agreement between provider and user. For example, if a provider offers unlimited file storage as part of its service, the user knows they can upload as many files as they like. If hardware requirements change as a result of this, it is up to the provider to maintain the promised service level, at no extra cost or disruption to the user, who need not be concerned about the details behind the scenes.

However, more important than the difference between cloud computing and SaaS, are the resultant features and benefits when the two are used together. These ultimately translate into real-world benefits for businesses.

We are in the middle of an economic downturn, making this a good time for IT departments to reevaluate their spending. Do they really want to use most of their budget simply making sure existing systems stay up and running? Switching to a cloud computing model will allow business to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives, rather than pumping resources into traditional software, that has not been refreshed for years.

So, what is the difference between cloud computing and SaaS? For the business end user, it simply doesn’t matter. It is more meaningful to recognise the cutting-edge features and immense potential made possible by these technologies. Clearly companies who embrace cloud computing and SaaS will be extremely well equipped to outperform less forward-thinking rivals in the future.