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Expert Answers to Biz Questions Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz. 10 Most Common Types of SaaS Applications   If you’re doing most of your work online, you’ve probably heard of the term SaaS. This acronym stands for Software-as-a-Service, and it represents a software model that is used via the internet. Unlike the traditional software, these programs are updated automatically by the provider. Furthermore, all the data is stored online, on a cloud, instead of on your computer. To use a SaaS, a company has to pay a monthly fee. Depending on a plan, you gain access to a certain number of features. The cheapest plans are usually geared toward individual users, while the most expensive plans are tailor-made for large corporations. 10 Most popular types of SaaS Nowadays, you can use a SaaS platform for just about anything. For example, you can use the CRE Software Platform to manage your real estate processes. A lot of companies use accounting software to simplify their financial processes, and CRM SaaS is popular among companies that deal with a large number of customers. The general idea is that you can manage just about any commercial process with a SaaS. Certain companies are trying to unify numerous functions, thus providing an all-in-one business solution. However, it is much more common for a SaaS provider to focus on a specific area of business. Here are the 10 most common types of SaaS applications you might encounter: Web Hosting platforms provide hosting for small and large organizations. They also provide secure storage space that can fulfill the basic needs of many businesses. Invoicing and Accounting SaaS are great for managing your financial processes. Among others, you can use these tools to track payments and generate reports. Communication solutions might be the most popular type of SaaS on the web. Whether we’re talking about individual users or large teams, there isn’t a living person who doesn’t use these platforms. CRM or Customer Relationship Management tools are crucial for managing your customers. You can use them to compile data regarding your business partners. These platforms are also great for tracking information, customers’ progress in the pipeline, and simplifying marketing processes. Payment providers allow individuals and companies to buy and sell stuff without carrying a physical debit or credit card. You can store financial funds on a web account and use this money when making any type of transaction. Customers can also use payment gateways for coupons and offers. Project Management solutions are incredible for tracking and managing large and small projects. This type of SaaS can be used from the initial planning stages to the final execution phases. Project management platforms make it easier to delegate duties, track deadlines, and deliver products. HR or Human Resources tools are meant to track work hours, simplify payments, schedule and track interviews with talent, and manage all other related functions. Email Marketing platforms are great for companies that use email as the main marketing tool. This type of SaaS helps you send bulk emails, create templates, track open and respond rates, and ultimately increase your sales. SMM or Social Media Management platforms have become extremely popular in the last few years. They allow you to use and track several social media at the same time. These solutions can save you a lot of time by allowing you to post and comment on several platforms from one access point. ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning tools are SaaS solutions meant for larger businesses. They are very similar to some other business platforms, but they do things on a much larger scale. What are the main pros and cons of the SaaS model? Although nowadays, the majority of software follows the SaaS model, that doesn’t mean that this type of solution is flawless. SaaS platforms have numerous advantages over traditional programs but also a few flaws. Pros SaaS can be very cheap at first. You can access them from just about anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. Unlike traditional software, SaaS do not use your PC storage space. You don’t have to install a particular program to use it. Updates are automatic and don’t interfere with your work. They allow you to scale processes as the company grows. The customers can choose between several payment options. Cons You have very limited, if any, control over the platform. If you don’t have internet, you won’t be able to use the majority of these platforms. There is very little transparency within the field, so you don’t know if a company is abiding by the regulations. 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