It was exciting to see one research group after another come up with more and more exciting news on the SaaS front for the time to come:

In October, Forrester’s conservative figures of 25% of software sales to go SaaS by 2011, was supplemented by another Forrester research showing “some” interest in SaaS in as many as 34% of enterprise and 45% of SMB survey respondents. BusinessWeek, in January, reported 1/3 of all mid to enterprise sized companies already use some sort of SaaS, another 1/3 will adopt in 2007. Finally survey from Cutters Consortium shows that almost every other company (50%?) is already using SaaS. (Hey, we are already there!!)

Then Phil Wainewright (http://blogs.zdnet.com/SAAS/) burst the bubble indicating that interviewed users had no clue whether the company they are interviewed about is a leader in the on-demand field or even offers an on demand product.

His observation is correct – the industry is growing. The rules are being written – at this point there is still no consensus even on SaaS definition.

Many vendors who were previously offering online access to their product are warming up to the hype now coming out with announcements that they’ve embraced the on-demand model (always had, in fact). A case in point, cell phone companies offered access into their account online for years, so that makes them SaaS vendors. And, according to some definitions, they are correct.. (expect a SaaS announcement from your local bank)

This calls for another review of the definition that will get greater acceptance in the user space.

Sometimes technology can offer a way to look at long-standing ideas from a new perspective. The idea that committed employees are one of the primary keys for a company’s long-term success is not new. Broadly circulated checklists to “energize employees” include motivation, equity, feedback, achievement, and environment. What’s new, is the ability to provide these important THINGS using SaaS technology for Human Resources.

SaaS software solutions for HR include time and attendance, scheduling, project tracking, benefit management and other activities. Employees from multiple business units are able to login and enter the activities and projects they are working on. They can also consult their schedules, and request and review their planned time off.

Whether the company units are geographically disparate and are in different time zones, or all of the employees are in one office, employees get impartiality and equity knowing that their vacations are accrued in line with the company policies and that there are “no favorites.” With the application having same corporate look and feel, decentralized business units are able to feel like a part of the larger organization.

But what impressed me the most is the ability to look back on past events to see that the days are not simply lists of bleak activities that follow one after another. It gives employees perspective and a sense of accomplishment. “I‘ve worked over 320 hours on this project and it took a significant portion of my time – is this activity reflected in my goals for the year? (self-feedback is critical for periodic check for review time).” Alternatively, quick projects fly by and unless you are able to go back to them to look them over, you will have a hard time remembering how the timewas spent.

Being able to track their own activity empowers employees to start learning about time management. They do not have to have their manager breathing down their neck. Instead, they are able to review their activities and make intelligent choices on their time allocations. If several projects have to be completed within a certain time frame – they have the right tools to keep time investment in check. This helps to create the environment of achievement and strive toward constant improvement.

On the management side, SaaS tools help to uncover inefficiencies in the organization, such as too much time spent on some activity or process... Or, inefficient task management by different employees... Or, troubles or issues managing projects. Thus, the employer is able not only to get their best but also give them the best. SaaS cannot replace the roles of managers and supervisors but it can make their lives easier.

Some people utilize notebooks, others keep it in their head, but it is nice to know there are tools out there that will make both unnecessary. Just kidding, keep your head, and use it to do great things!