Where are we going with MFT in the Cloud and as SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)?

It is my opinion that we will continue to see a proliferation of third parties who have the ability to manage preferred MFT solutions because this has been the consumer-modeled pattern we have seen with software across time. True SaaS in MFT will be a cloud solution that is increasingly available as a monthly subscription like Netflix or Apple icloud storage, and this development will be driven by market growth and proliferation of 3rd parties. And even though future market growth may make MFT as easy as the consumer phone app type of subscription solutions that we are all using every day and that we all find so convenient, it will always be the case that the most important part of this enterprise-level buying process will remain the functionality of the MFT cloud software itself.

 

As a sales leader who has regular contact with buyers of MFT software in the cloud, I am often asked to explain the customer options about MFT software as a true SaaS solution that have led me to these conclusions. These customer requests for an explanation come for both subscription and license-based software buying options. I think it is interesting that the answers to questions about MFT SaaS options show both where MFT software is going as a SaaS solution and how our MFT situation reflects global software cloud markets overall.

 

SaaS is possible to the extent it takes to administrate any particular software. We subscribe to software on our phones that requires almost no administration. We might have an app that helps us communicate locations with loved ones wherein the only administration required from us is payment. On the other end of the spectrum, there are SaaS solutions that require such a degree of human resources that they are delivered via IT departments or even placed within Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and Professional Management Offices (PMOs.) These larger SaaS enterprise level software implementations are indicative of where MFT software currently finds itself.

 

What is available now in the world of MFT SaaS?

Currently, customers who need an MFT solution have several options of scale in meeting their need for SaaS. The overall recipe for a successful SaaS solution with MFT software boils down to two main ingredients: 1) software that solves your problems, and 2) the human resources necessary to maintain and support the software that solves your problems. These two ingredients are listed in order of importance, and I warn customers of the dangers of choosing a solution because of the second ingredient. MFT solutions should always be prepared this way.

 

Why should you prioritize the software above the human resources when making a decision on MFT software?

A problem of IT administration is better than a problem of software development and customization. Even particular to your somewhat uniquely changing needs over time, this will almost always be the case. Plus, the high levels of expertise you will need from time to time will almost always be solely available from the engineering teams who develop the chosen MFT software itself. Even global leaders in MFT consulting or service companies who provide you with your implementation options or who offer MFT SaaS will themselves ultimately have to rely on these very product engineering and development teams for the high-level expertise needed to deliver SaaS.

In brief, here are your three options: 1) you can purchase the solution from the software company, hand it off to your IT team, and they are off and running with standard support from the software company when and as needed; 2) you can purchase the solution from a software company that provides a greater degree of setup, configuration, and even regular management and training—to the degree that it feels close to true SaaS based on a proposed scope of work; 3) you can work with a third party who will manage the software for you and therefore create a true SaaS pass-through feel for you. Each option represents an IT admin outsourcing decision to some extent. But to repeat, the choice should be based on the way the software has been engineered to work as a powerful business process tool for your company.

 

There are many important issues that I have not taken to the time to go into depth with here, your company’s overall cloud and cloud marketplace strategy, your preferences and ability to manage vendors and to work with them as partners, and how you optimize your buying process for efficiency in these areas--just to name a few. As a sales force, we encounter various operating or communication levels on all manner of important issues like these as part of the selection process.