What is SaaS?

What Is the SaaS Model

SaaS is a method of delivering software where users do not need to install and maintain the application on their own servers. Instead, they access a web interface, pay a monthly or annual subscription, and get access to functionality through a browser. Examples of SaaS products familiar to everyone: Slack, Notion, Figma, Jira, Google Workspace.

SaaS Architecture

Under the hood, a SaaS application is a multi-tenant system where a single instance of the software serves multiple clients (tenants). Each client’s data is isolated, but the infrastructure is shared, reducing costs. Key architectural decisions include: the data storage model (shared database vs. database per tenant), the authorization and role system, billing and subscription management, and scaling mechanisms.

Advantages of the SaaS Model

For businesses, SaaS is attractive due to predictable revenue (recurring revenue), low barrier to entry for users, the ability to update the product quickly, and global availability. For users, the advantages are no need for IT infrastructure, automatic updates, and the ability to start working in minutes.

How Webparadox Creates SaaS Products

We have developed dozens of SaaS platforms: from startups at the MVP stage to enterprise solutions with thousands of users. Our approach includes designing multi-tenant architecture, integrating billing (Stripe, payment providers), building role and permission systems, and setting up infrastructure for automatic scaling. We help launch the first version in 2-3 months and iteratively evolve the product based on user feedback.