Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are becoming a popular choice for businesses looking to minimize their IT spending and optimization. Before you take the SaaS leap, here are questions you must answer.

Know the answers to the following questions to make the decision making easier.

• Reason behind the implementation
  Do you want to concentrate more on business rather than the software management? Or want to improve the collaboration of different business branches?
  If you know the reason well, you will be able to choose a system that fits your specific needs.
• Your expectations from SaaS
  What kind of features does the software needs to possess to fulfill your business needs?
  Do you need a highly efficient software which can only be used by users or a software to improve data collaboration and accessible for a large number of users?
  Understand your needs, set your expectations and then go looking for the right system.
• Try before you Buy
  Is the program able to pilot the solution before buying? Is the new SaaS solution compatible with the on-premise legacy solutions? Does the program have ability to be customized according to the user?
  Test and cross check the system before you take a final call.
• SaaS Security
  What is the disaster recovery process and time? What security is in place with the collocation party?
  The security protecting SaaS solution needs to be holistic.
• Consider IT support requirement
  What is the level of technical support provided by your SaaS provider?
  If the instructions on implementation and usage are very clear then you may not need additional IT professionals.
• Consider your exit strategies
  Will it be possible to switch to another SaaS program or come back on premise software infrastructure? Do you have a Service level Agreement contract?
  Go through the exit policies of the provider carefully.

SaaS solution is here to help. Before you take the plunge, just ensure that all your check lists are in order to ensure a smooth and successful transition.