Choosing Channel Management Software: Saas or Installed?

Is there really a big difference between channel management software that is installed into the company’s server and one that is simply set on the net, also known as software as a service (SaaS)? The trend in business today leans towards the latter. More and more companies find that software as service has a lot more advantages than the standard installed kind. SaaS has become not only popular for channel relationship management applications, it is also used in customer relationship management, computer automated billing, and HR management among many others.

SaaS is also known by different popular industry terms such as “software on demand.” End users or customers use the software legally by paying the license through a pay as you use system or through a subscription. Vendors of such services can create, develop, and operate the applications hosted their own server. Customers can simply buy the service when they need it. They will no longer have to buy the whole hardware and the software that they might not even need for a long time. They could therefore save a lot of money this way. The customer will simply need their own computer as well a good internet connection.

Steering a company through the rough waters of today’s economy requires great effort. Companies are now more focused on each and every lead opportunity as well as every partner relationship. Only through the use of reliable channel management software can such effort be successful. Of course, such a system is too unaffordable for many companies right now. The cost of purchasing the necessary server hardware and the software itself is too steep as compared to software as service solutions where a company can just pay for the use of the software. Basically, instead of buying a whole house, one can just pay rent for its use.

The up front cash needed for the humongous investment of buying the whole system itself is a big drain on immediate company funds. This can be dangerous for the company since emergencies that would require money can and will arise at the most inopportune moment.

Also, using SaaS for one’s channel network will create faster returns since this is directly related to the sales tools of the company. Consider the length of time needed to complete installation if one opts for self hosted software as opposed to SaaS software. Self hosted software for channel partner management usually takes up to one year or even longer. On the other hand, SaaS solutions will just take a few months or even just a few weeks. The time factor is very important in this case because of the great loss of opportunity cost. It makes infinite sense that if the channel network is what draws in sales, then making sure it is well managed should be the primary concern of any company.

Indeed, Saas for channel management software reigns supreme in today’s business trend because of these important advantages. Companies should really take advantage of this before they are left behind by their competition.