On-Demand Software

The delivery of software applications as a service (SaaS) is fast becoming the preferred model for nonprofits to manage volunteering, membership, advocacy, communications, marketing, fundraising, event management, and constituent relationship management. The vision of SaaS is to help nonprofits do things they could not do before, create efficiencies and reduce costs, and drive better results.

SaaS Introduction

Under the traditional SaaS model, an application resides at an offsite data center where the service provider maintains data, servers and related hardware. End-users access the application remotely via an Internet browser. The SaaS model is predicated on a “one-to-many” or multi-client delivery model whereby an application is shared across clients, providing opportunities to customize the system to the needs of each customer. Rapid installation is made possible because the infrastructure is already in place. A key premise of this model is that the SaaS provider invests in the technology, hardware and ongoing support services instead of the client. In return, the customer “pays-as-they-go” according to a subscription and Service Level Agreement (SLA) that ensures the customer a specified level of performance and availability.

The focus of deployment is on end-user training and acceptance since customers do not install software or maintain servers, networking equipment or other hardware. SaaS providers invest in product training and application support, which includes network operations. This approach helps ensure successful application delivery, with virtually 100% uptime and higher user adoption. Under a service-based relationship, continuous client feedback is received to help develop new functionality and improve application performance. By default, there is more interaction with end-users in the application environment itself that lead to better prioritization for new features and system extensions.

Why “On Demand” Software?

More and more organizations are turning to “on-demand” or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions for their software needs. It’s no wonder, as on-demand software addresses some key shortcomings of installed software. Here’s a closer look at the on-demand advantage.

Better Return on Your Investment

Many non-profits do not have the budget for IT staff or outside consultants to keep up with the technologies needed to maintain accessibility and accountability. Nor do they want to become a software company, with the ongoing challenges of upgrades, development, and deployment that can accompany installed software. On-demand applications require no upfront costs, no hardware to buy or install, little or no IT involvement and virtually no risk. That’s why on-demand software can reduce the cost of ownership by up to 40% compared to traditional deployments (McKinsey 2006). On-demand software also has predictable subscription pricing, which simplifies budgeting and forecasting.

Rapid Implementation

Installed software deployments can last from several months to over a year because the costly and time-consuming customization work requires complex
In contrast, on-demand software is implemented in a matter of minutes, so you can start realizing business value right away.

Powerful, Scalable, and Secure Software Environment

Unlike traditional software installs that rely on internal security to protect sensitive materials, on-demand applications like VolunteerMatters reside in server farms where they are monitored and protected 24 hours a day. These servers automatically back up materials and applications, ensuring that even in the worst situation, information is not compromised. Best of all, this entire process is seamless to the customer, who no longer needs to assign staff to ensure operational security. The level of infrastructure offered by VolunteerMatters would be difficult for most nonprofits to create and maintain on their own.

Automatic Upgrades

With installed software, users are relegated to outdated software because IT departments are too overburdened to allocate resources to plan, stage, test and train users for upgrades.

Compare this with on-demand applications, which are automatically kept up to date. With VolunteerMatters, we release frequent software upgrades driven by continual feedback from our global, non-profit customer base. Your users are always on the most current software release, giving them instant access to exciting innovations — at no additional cost.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

While installed software involves a one-time purchase, on-demand software is available on a subscription basis. As a result, VolunteerMatters is continually focused on doing everything we can to maintain your satisfaction and earn your business again year after year.