Glossary · business-model
SaaS
Definition
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a business model where software is delivered over the internet on a subscription basis — no installation required. Users access it via browser or mobile app; the vendor handles infrastructure, security, and updates. Slack, Notion, Shopify are SaaS examples.
Detailed explanation
SaaS vs on-premise: On-premise software installs on the company's servers, maintenance is the customer's problem; SaaS vendors are responsible. On-premise demands high upfront cost and IT resources; SaaS offers monthly/annual flat fee, easy scaling, automatic updates.
SaaS business metrics: MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue), ARR, churn rate, LTV (lifetime value), CAC (customer acquisition cost), NPS. Successful SaaS: high LTV/CAC (>3:1), low churn (<5%/year enterprise).
SaaS in Turkey: ikas (e-commerce), Inveon, Parasüt (accounting), Kolay İK, Logo Go (SMB ERP). KVKK compliance + Turkish UI are critical for B2B SaaS. Payments via iyzico + card installment.
Use cases
→Cloud ERP/CRM for SMBs
→Startup product: new B2B software
→Vertical SaaS (sector-specific: clinic, restaurant, dealership)
→B2C consumer app (subscription model)
→White-label SaaS (for resellers)
Pros
- +Low startup cost (subscription)
- +Auto-updates + no maintenance
- +Scalability (price grows with users)
- +Multi-tenant (one infra, many customers)
Cons
- −Data privacy / KVKK sensitivity (data moves to 3rd party)
- −Internet dependency
- −Can be more expensive long-term vs on-premise
- −Customization limits
Related terms
Related services
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