Choosing the Right Software: What Every Organization Should Consider

Insights from an Earthling by Charles Rodriguez

Defining Your Needs Before Shopping

Before diving into the world of SaaS (Software as a Service), it’s crucial to define exactly what your organization needs. Too often, companies get caught up in feature lists and flashy sales demos without first identifying their core requirements. Are you looking for a tool to improve collaboration, streamline operations, or automate repetitive tasks? Start by outlining your key pain points and must-have features. This prevents costly mistakes like adopting a platform that doesn’t align with your business processes or investing in unnecessary capabilities.

Customization with Off-the-Shelf Solutions

Many SaaS platforms offer multiple add-ons to address business needs (e.g, for HR, project management, accounting, and CRMs). Often, these are added through acquisition. Find out what the SaaS platform does best or what it initially intends to solve for its customers. Measure that against the business challenge you are solving for when making your decision, not on the other add-ons that perhaps aren’t as strong as another vendor’s solution. Modern solutions typically allow for cross-platform integrations, making it less important to have one solution that does it all. It is crucial to understand how well a solution allows for customization or integration with other platforms into the workflow.

Total Cost of Ownership

The sticker price of a SaaS subscription rarely tells the whole story. Beyond monthly or annual fees, consider hidden costs such as implementation, training, support, and potential integration with your existing software ecosystem. Conduct a full cost analysis to ensure you’re not underestimating the true investment required to adopt the software, such as fees for additional users, premium features, data storage, or integration services.

Security, Compliance, and Data Ownership

For organizations handling sensitive data, security and compliance should be top priorities. Does the SaaS provider adhere to industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC2? How is your data stored, and who actually owns it? Some vendors make it difficult to migrate data if you ever decide to switch platforms. Open-source solutions, or SaaS providers with strong data portability policies, can offer more control over your information. Always read the fine print and ensure that security measures align with your organization’s risk tolerance.

Scalability and Long-Term Viability

A SaaS solution should not only meet your current needs but also support your future growth. Can the platform scale with your organization, or will you quickly outgrow it? Look at the provider’s roadmap for new features and their support issue response time. Choosing a solution from a reputable vendor with a strong track record for feature development can help ensure longevity and adaptability as your business evolves.

At Earthling Interactive, we help organizations navigate these decisions. Whether you’re evaluating a SaaS platform or considering a more flexible alternative, making an informed decision now can save time, money, and frustration in the long run. Ready to explore your options? Let’s talk.