Every person who wants to start online tutoring platform, goes through this dilemma, whether to go for custom development or SaaS model like myTutoring. There are compelling advantages of both. Here we will explain the both in detail, so that you can make an informed decision
What is SaaS Model?
Software as a service (SaaS) is a software distribution model, in which your software is hosted on a third-party server. The software is made available to you over the internet.
SaaS does not require you to install and run applications on your own computers or in your data centres. Overall expense of hardware acquisition, provisioning, maintenance, software licensing, installation and support is highly reduced. Other benefits of SaaS model include:
Flexible payments: You have to only pay on a monthly basis, using a pay-as-you-go model. No need for hefty licensing fee.
Scalable usage: SaaS offers you high scalability. You will always have option of accessing more or fewer services. Everything will be on demand.
Automatic updates: Rather than purchasing new software, your SaaS provider will automatically update your product with latest version. This basically means no need to hire IT staff.
Comparison of Custom Development and SaaS Model
| Category | Custom Development | Software Package |
| Overall Risk | Far greater risk | Tried and tested |
| IT Staff Requirements | Requires considerable expertise for design, and development. | No need for IT staff. Only admin staff is required |
| Time taken for completion | takes 3-12 months for completion | Can be made live in 1-3 weeks |
| Cost | Far higher | Lower and fixed |
| Cost of ownership | With all features, much higher | Lower |
| Requirements | Requirement matching will take lot of trial and error process | Can match the exact requirements |
| Technical Support | Support only in working hours. Staff has to be trained first | 24X7 email and voice support |
| Product Documentation | None what so ever | High quality documentation |
| Flexibility | Related applications and features have to be custom developed | Related applications are easily available |
| Obsolescence | Enhancements need to be custom developed | Enhancements automatically provided |
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