SaaS solutions — flexible services for your business
SaaS services give SMEs access to advanced technology solutions without large upfront investments. Well-chosen service solutions streamline operations, scale with demand, and reduce IT overhead.
What do SaaS solutions mean in practice?
SaaS (Software as a Service) means software used as a service over the internet. The company doesn't install software on its own server but accesses it via an internet connection through a browser or device-installed application. Maintenance, updates, and security are handled by the service provider.
According to Gartner's 'Worldwide Public Cloud Services End-User Spending Forecast' (Gartner, May 2024), global SaaS investments exceeded $232 billion in 2024. For SMEs, the SaaS model is often the most cost-effective option. Monthly fees replace large one-time investments, and the service scales with user count. Deployment is fast and low-risk.
SaaS solutions are available for most business functions: from customer relationship management to financial management, project management to communications, and inventory management to HR.
SaaS or custom software — how to choose?
A SaaS solution suits most situations where business processes are standard. Ready-made service solutions cover many of a company's needs and can be deployed quickly.
Custom software, on the other hand, makes sense when business processes are unique, competitive advantage is based on a special way of operating, off-the-shelf solutions have significant gaps relative to the company's needs, or they are overly complex for the company's requirements. The pricing model of an off-the-shelf solution can also lead to cost growth in a scaling company, which is worth considering when evaluating alternatives.
Often the best solution is a combination: SaaS services for basics and custom components for special needs. The key is that the whole works seamlessly together.
- SaaS: very fast deployment, predictable costs, automatic updates
- Custom: full match to your needs and competitive advantage
- Combination: basic services on SaaS, special needs custom-built
- Always evaluate total costs over a 3–5 year horizon
- Ensure data portability regardless of the solution
SaaS solution selection criteria
SaaS solution selection should not be based solely on price or feature lists. A holistic evaluation should consider security, integration capabilities, data management and ownership, provider reliability, and the service's future outlook.
Antesto evaluates every SaaS solution impartially from the company's perspective. We don't recommend services on a commission basis — we recommend solutions that best meet the company's needs.
- Functionality: does the service cover the company's critical needs?
- Security: how is data protected and where is it stored?
- Integrations: does the service connect to existing systems?
- Scalability: does the service grow with the company? What cost implications?
- Support and documentation: what support is available?
- Data portability: can I get my data out when needed?
SaaS solution deployment and migration
SaaS solution deployment requires a systematic approach. Simply activating the service isn't enough — data migration, configuration, integrations, user training, and transition period management are needed.
Antesto supports throughout the entire deployment process. We create a transition plan, ensure data integrity during migration, and train users to effectively utilise the new system.
We pay special attention to ensuring the old and new systems run in parallel during the transition period. This way business operations are never interrupted.
SaaS environment management and optimization
Most SMEs use dozens of SaaS services — often more than they realise. An unmanaged SaaS environment causes unnecessary costs, security risks, and integration problems.
Antesto helps map, rationalise, and manage the SaaS environment. We identify overlaps, optimise licence costs, and ensure every service delivers real value.
- SaaS service mapping and rationalisation
- Licence cost optimisation
- Security audit and access rights management
- Integration maintenance and development
- User training and support services
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