Back

5 SaaS Limitations That Could Derail Your Cloud Migration

Software as a Service SaaS is the largest component of cloud computing news cloud computing business solutions...

3 min read
Published on Feb 9, 2017
5 SaaS Limitations That Could Derail Your Cloud Migration

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is the largest component of cloud computing. SaaS companies have enjoyed significant growth in recent years, with some such as Salesforce maturing to a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) model that lets customers create apps for specific needs. Still, significant challenges remain that hinder SaaS growth and expansion. If you’re in the middle of major operations like a cloud file server migration, keep these SaaS limitations in mind.

Prepare for These SaaS Limitations

1. Interoperability

Interoperability is the first obstacle holding back cloud adoption. Companies want real-time interoperability between SaaS applications and those applications in other areas (such as private clouds). Creating cloud integration hubs is similar to internal integrations. You should steer clear of synchronous communication between different clouds, and opt for loose coupling while keeping some resilience to location and conductivity variations.

2. Vendor Lock-In

When you lock into one vendor, you’re also accepting that specific vendor’s standards, protocols and tools, which can complicate a cloud file server migration.

Proprietary standards also limit the portability of applications if you decide to move from one vendor to another. These standards help minimize the risks of lock-in, but many organizations don’t understand the full ramifications. Your company can switch providers, depending on your goals, or quickly modify software solutions to work together. Both these strategies rely on clear industry standards.

3. Reduced Support for Integration

Another driver of SaaS growth is how well applications integrate with one another. Integrating cloud applications with on-premises systems can present a number of support issues.

In this scenario, data needs to be extracted, translated and loaded from one system to another. Such operations present higher security risks than on-premises integration. Integration processes are also time-consuming, which detracts from some of the primary benefits of a cloud file server migration (simplicity and speed).

4. Data Exchange

Exchanging data between systems can be cumbersome and inaccurate. Optimizing the [data exchange process involves understanding existing problems, defining the information to be exchanged, designing a data transformation and integration solution, completing the transaction and testing the results. Data exchange seems like a simple process, but it is tedious and exacting.

5. Less Customization

You’ve likely customized your software to meet your specific needs. On-premises applications are typically more customizable than cloud solutions because they offer extensive software development kits (SDKs). On the other hand, SaaS vendors provide the latest software features and functions, which help standardize processes and improve performance.

The State of SaaS Adoption

The Gartner 2015 “Cloud Computing Hype Cycle” report placed SaaS in the “plateau of productivity” stage, which reflects its overwhelming mainstream adoption. In fact, the 2016 market for public cloud services was estimated to be more than $200 billion. Vendors are also increasingly moving from horizontal services to vertical solutions to serve companies in specific fields like healthcare and manufacturing.

Businesses in nearly every industry have begun to adopt SaaS solutions. As creative ideas emerge to tackle SaaS challenges of interoperability, vendor lock-in, reduced support for integration, data exchange and lack of customizability, you should expect SaaS to grow even faster in the years ahead.

Looking to migrate file servers to the cloud or integrate your SaaS solutions?

Agile IT’s cloud file server migration services remove the burden of common SaaS limitations and help your business operate as a single, well-oiled machine. Reach out today to discuss your business needs.

This post has matured and its content may no longer be relevant beyond historical reference. To see the most current information on a given topic, click on the associated category or tag.

Related Posts

Office 365 License Comparison: Business Plans Vs. E5, E3 and E1

Implementing Cybersecurity Policies for CMMC Compliance and Managing CUI

CMMC compliance requires well-documented cybersecurity policies. Learn how to implement security controls, create an SSP and POA&M, and manage Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Apr 25, 2025
7 min read
CMMC compliance for DoD contractors

CMMC Compliance Requirements for DoD Contractors and Subcontractors in the Defense Industry

CMMC compliance is mandatory for DoD contractors and subcontractors. Learn about certification levels, requirements, and the consequences of failing to meet compliance.

Apr 24, 2025
6 min read
How to prepare for a CMMC compliance audit

CMMC Compliance Audit Preparation: A Complete Checklist for Small Businesses

Preparing for a CMMC compliance audit is critical for DoD contractors. Use this checklist to perform a gap analysis, assess CMMC readiness, and prepare for a Level 2 assessment.

Apr 23, 2025
8 min read
FAR CUI vs CMMC Understanding

FAR CUI vs CMMC Understanding the Differences and Overlaps

FAR CUI and CMMC both focus on protecting sensitive federal data, but they have key differences. Learn how they work together and whether FAR CUI compliance aligns with CMMC.

Apr 15, 2025
10 min read
What Is a POAM?

What Is a POAM?

Learn how a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) helps meet NIST 800-171 & DFARS compliance. Understand its role in FedRAMP, security categorization, and risk mitigation.

Apr 8, 2025
8 min read
Best Cybersecurity Practices for Achieving CMMC Compliance

Best Cybersecurity Practices for Achieving CMMC Compliance

Achieving CMMC cybersecurity compliance requires strong security controls. Learn best practices for securing your IT environment, protecting CUI, and implementing MFA.

Apr 7, 2025
6 min read

Ready to Secure and Defend Your Data
So Your Business Can Thrive?

Fill out the form to see how we can protect your data and help your business grow.

Loading...
Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Let's start a conversation

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Schedule a Free Consultation

Location

Agile IT Headquarters
4660 La Jolla Village Drive #100
San Diego, CA 92122

Secure. Defend. Thrive.

Don't want to wait for us to get back to you?

Discover more about Agile IT's range of services by reaching out

Schedule a Free Consultation