MHUG ConferenceDid you know there’s a difference between software and software as a service (SaaS)? With many municipalities having to do more with less, how you integrate solutions has a direct impact on your budget, as well as on your department’s success.
It wasn’t that long ago that technology solutions required your own ingenuity and loading individual software licenses onto dozens of machines. Increasingly, both the public and private sectors are turning to cloud-based SaaS solutions, not only for ease of use but also for the improved experience for employees and users alike.
Software vs. SaaS: What’s the Difference?
Even as recently as a decade ago, keeping your team on the same page, from a technology standpoint, required several different system administrators to manage various software licenses, updates, upgrades, and security patches. Software downloads were typically a one-size-fits-all product, with minimal ability to customize or alter once it was sitting on a desktop.
SaaS offers far more customization and flexibility, particularly when you partner with a specialist that understands the unique demands of government offices and services. We are essentially a software and admin in one, providing the training, support, and troubleshooting throughout the lifetime of your solution.
Partnership vs. Transaction
Instead of a one-time purchase, a customized SaaS partner helps fulfill your municipality’s unique requirements. It’s also designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so even the people on the team who are less comfortable with technology will pick it up quickly.
Cloud-based tailored software will also follow you, and your constituents, well into the future. As new devices and technologies are widely adopted, software and interfaces also need to evolve. A reliable platform is managed by professionals who keep your system up to date, giving you a “future-proof” solution.
Goals, and people, change over time. In the past, software technology designers made their income by charging you costly licensing fees and discontinuing older versions. By working with a service-oriented provider, you’re investing in a resource that will remain current and useful well past your initial investment.
Training and Ongoing Support
Inevitably and eventually, you will need help. Working with a provider that gives you training and support beyond your initial implementation is critical for long-term value. Also, when something goes wrong, you should expect ongoing technical support and troubleshooting. Look for a provider that offers online support, as well as a project team that pays special attention to your needs and environment throughout your integration.
Take Full Advantage of the Cloud Today
Cloud-based technology offers better cost-effective solutions for agencies and municipalities all over the country than an out-of-the-box package. With just one click, your team can access integrated solutions from wherever they are and enable faster payment and retrieval options for your constituents and stakeholders.
Mitchell Humphrey & Co.’s FastTrackGov® software can meet the needs of your organization and citizens with exceptional software and services. Contact us to schedule a demo and learn more about how we can adapt to the requirements of you and your constituents today.