Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Business Model (Part 2): R&D biz model elements

In our last article we have shown one way of categorising Software-as-a-Service (or SaaS). See also the diagram below.

The obvious point was not to make a systematic attempt of categorising SaaS. With over 25,000 SaaS companies in Crunchbase and who knows how many actual SaaS solutions that would be a futile attempt.

The two bigger points were:

1. To point out that different types of SaaS solutions use different types of business model playbooks: In our little mind map we can distinguish between those that are on the left from those on the right hand side in terms of key business model elements. What I mean with that will become more clear throughout this SaaS series. Suffice it to say for now that there are key differences in terms of research & development as well as sales and marketing business model tactics.
2. And that when you want to develop a SaaS solution you should do something similar for your area. Having a good idea is good (in fact, great!). But doing some market analysis on a regular basis is still a good idea. In the last article we have seen that there are already over 8,000 marketing tech solutions. It’s fine if you want to be the 8,001th (or wherever the counter stands now … it may be even lower). But I would recommend doing some homework by finding out what others are doing.

Categorising SaaS