Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Software as a Service offerings are promising exceptional growth, especially within the grasp of small to medium sized businesses. But what is so appealing about these services and what makes them such a match for SMBs? Just to serve as a refresher, SaaS offerings are defined as a software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the Internet. According to TechTargert, it is also one of the three main categories of cloud computing, alongside infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS).
Low Costs Upfront for Customers
When POS software is delivered in a SaaS model, users don’t have to pay upfront fro the initial software licensing, unlike most traditional software installations. Customers will more than likely opt into making monthly or quarterly payments to use cloud-based software and access the internet. 
For example, SMBs with a 2-terminal POS system can see a huge difference between coming up with the total cost of services upfront, or resolve things by paying off the funds over time. This makes it more affordable for the customer as well. Not only is it more budget-friendly, but SaaS also provides the opportunity to take on additional features and additives, that only perhaps couldn’t normally afford, upfront.
Lower the Potential Risk
The massive technology disruption is taking over at a speedy rate. VARs are noticing that less and less of their clients are willing to take the leap into adopting outdated software (which makes sense), with the fear of not finding any ROI. Sold and delivered on a SaaS basis, this eliminates the risks that may come along with investing in on-site software.
SaaS vendors are leading the way in adding several features and integration into the overall software offering, through means of addressing surfacing challenges that retailers and restaurants are facing. These subscribers always have the most recent software versions, and can take advantage of new updates as they are introduced.
Lower Demand for In-House Equipment
Some SMBs may not have the resources readily available to manage IT issues, that come about. SaaS vendors work to conduct the heavy lifting work, when it comes to tedious software ruts and security patches. SaaS systems are easy to install, configure, and deploy, because typically there is less labor involved on the VAR side of things, while they are building out their own revenue. 
So why aren’t SMBs already involved in SaaS?
Many SMBs may not be aware of the many benefits that can accommodate POS/SaaS solutions. SMBs can have full access to a system that boosts their efficiency, productivity, and quality of each overall customer experience, as they come, without the ridiculous and hefty upfront costs.
