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SaaS: Software as a Service, what is it?

Do you use email a lot, do you work from your web browser with applications like Google Drive, Canva or Dropbox? If so, you use SaaS products in your day-to-day work almost without realizing it.

In fact, the term SaaS is something you hear more and more often, as it has been gaining popularity in recent years. So much so that you will find it impossible to conceive of your daily routine without these tools and applications. And yet, you probably don't know what the word refers to. 

If you want to know more, be sure to read this article in which we tell you what SaaS is, how it works and some examples. Here we go!

 What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Software as a service, also known as SaaS, is a cloud-based service accessed through a web browser. This means you don't have to install software on your computer or server.  

Some of the advantages de los SaaS: 

  • Reduction of initial costs.
  • Accessibility from anywhere.
  • Automatic updates.

And its disadvantages: 

  • You need an Internet connection to access them.
  • Many of these applications offer a multitude of features. You will pay for them, even though you will only use a small percentage of them. 
  • Some tools do not let you migrate data so you have to implement a parallel saving system. 
  • Eventually you may find that when you decide to cancel the use service of a SaaS application, you have difficulties to recover all the information uploaded during the period in which you were on the platform; It is important to find out this condition beforehand if you are going to use it for financial, customer, or inventory data processing.

Characteristics of Software as a Service

Although there are different types of SaaS solutions and each one has its own peculiarities, they share some common characteristics such as: 

  • Convenient access for any connected device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer). Thanks to this, users can access up-to-date data and information at all times, as they are synchronized in the cloud infrastructure on a recurring basis.
  • They have an improved user experience and user interface. This makes the websites look simple and the browsing experience accessible. 
  • Social and collaborative functions. SaaS tools and applications facilitate spaces or areas that can be shared by several people and in which they collaborate in an efficient way.
  • Pay per use or fee. Generally, you pay a monthly, quarterly or annual subscription. They also usually have reduced trial or freemium versions where the features of the tool are limited.

Some SaaS applications

There are many SaaS applications available on the market that cover most business needs. Some of the most popular are:

  • Google Workspace: suite of cloud-based productivity applications that includes Gmail, Gmail, Meet, Drive, Docs, among others.
  • Salesforce: customer relationship management (CRM) platform. 
  • Canva: an application that allows you to design professional visual materials without the need of having many graphic design skills.
  • Notion: comprehensive cloud-based productivity and collaboration workspace tool.
  • Slack: instant messaging application for companies. 
  • Zoom: remote videoconferencing tool.
  • Dropbox: cloud storage and collaboration service that allows users to securely store and share files.
  • Discord: an instant messaging and voice chat service used by gamers and communities of different themes. 
  • Zapier: workflow automation platform. 
  • Holded: business management software for SMEs and entrepreneurs that allows you to manage your accounting, invoicing, inventory, CRM, projects and HR from one place.
  • Hubspot: is a sales and inbound marketing program that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads and close customers.
  • Clinic Cloud: clinical and medical management software, which also includes financial management and marketing modules.
  • Bonsai: an all-in-one financial and business management solution that makes it easier for freelancers, agencies and small businesses to manage their work more efficiently and expand their business.
  • Workday: offers a cloud ERP suite covering financial management, human resource management and business planning.

As you can see, today, the use of SaaS tools has become an everyday occurrence for many individuals and companies, and is expected to continue to grow in popularity and relevance in the future. 

And if you are one of those who do not want to depend on big technology companies, do not worry, because there is a convenient solution: find a software in SaaS mode that is specific to small companies in your business sector, which guarantees security in the cloud and the export of data when needed. 

Does it sound good to have a system to manage your business finances, customers, employees, patients or inventories without spending a lot of money? Well, this is possible and we can help you with it. Contact us. 

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Design Thinking: what is it and why is it important?

Have you found yourself on more than one occasion solving problems that arise during the development of products or services and you don't find the right solution or even know where to start looking for it? 

If so, don't worry, because design thinking can help you with it. 

There is no doubt that in recent years this methodology has become increasingly popular. And this is due to their ability to generate creative and innovative solutions to complex problems. 

In this article, we tell you what design thinking is and why it is important for companies and organizations around the world.

What is Design Thinking

Design thinking is a process that helps to extract, learn and apply people-centered techniques to identify problems, reformulate them and generate solutions in a creative and innovative way in our businesses, designs and also in our lives.

Its main objective is to find alternative strategies and solutions that are not instantly obvious with their initial level of understanding. 

So in that sense it is considered an approach that delves deeper into problem solving as it seeks to understand users and their challenges. 

This is why design thinking is useful for addressing ill-defined or unknown problems, helping you to:

  • Redefine the problem with a user-centric mindset. 
  • Identify the challenge worth solving.
  • Developing ideas in brainstorming sessions.
  • Apply a hands-on approach to prototyping and testing.

One of the first people to write about "Design Thinking" was John E. Arnold, professor of engineering at MIT and Stanford, who in the 1950s sought a science of creativity to advance engineering and business innovation. 

Arnold was a pioneer who laid the foundation for how we think about design and innovation today.

Why Design Thinking is important

Design thinking is important because it facilitates innovative and effective problem solving, because by focusing on the user and empathy, it generates solutions that meet their needs and desires. 

It also encourages you to think outside the box, dig a little deeper into problem solving, identify setbacks and formulate alternative and innovative solutions. 

Therefore, having this type of approach has gained great popularity in recent years in everything related to problem solving. 

So why is it relevant? 

Well, take a look at some of the reasons for its importance are: 

  • It promotes creativity and innovation by focusing on the generation of different and unconventional ideas. This helps to develop new and innovative solutions to complex problems and situations.
  • It focuses on the implementation of efficient solutions in the real world, since prototyping and testing can guarantee its effectiveness.  
  • It provides people-centered solutions, since design thinking allows you to create solutions that meet the needs and desires of users, and this makes their experience better.
  • Its versatility, since it is not limited to the creation of products and services, but can be used in different fields and industries.

Examples of Design Thinking applications 

Design Thinking is applied in a wide variety of contexts and areas. Some examples include:

  • Creation of products and services: For example, if a technology company is considering developing a new mobile application, it can take advantage of this methodology to lay the groundwork for the project.  
  • Business strategy: in this case, design thinking is used to devise solutions to specific problems, such as employee retention or improving customer satisfaction. 
  • Education: a teacher can apply design thinking for the purpose of designing an innovative program that meets the needs of students. 
  • Health: for example, to facilitate a better patient experience. 

In conclusion, any company can use this methodology, since it focuses on understanding your users and creating solutions based on their needs and problems. 

After all, the success of any business depends largely on who buys and uses the products or services it offers. 

Your team must design solutions for customers and users. Because doing so will increase your chances of impacting customer activation, retention and growth.

Tell us, do you already use design thinking in your company? 

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7 types of websites you should know about for your business

Are you considering creating a website? Yes, one more to add to the large number of websites out there. 

Because nowadays it is not easy to imagine our life without the Internet. In fact, there are websites for almost any topic you can think of (seriously). Some share information, in others you buy products or hire services, in some you learn and develop skills and you can't miss those in which you entertain yourself and spend time. 

If you have a business or a business project and you don't have a website yet, don't worry, even if you're a little late to the game, that doesn't mean you won't be successful. 

Here are the most common types of websites, and you can get inspired to find out which one you really need for your company:

What types of websites are there?

Corporative

These websites represent a company and their purpose is to provide information about it, including its mission, history, products or services, team, culture and contact information. 

So they are one more tool when it comes to building a brand and establishing an online presence. 

Some of the characteristics of a corporate website: 

  • Representation and reflection of the brand, including its logo, colors and tone of voice. 
  • It should be intuitive and easy to use so that visitors can easily find the information they are looking for.

Examples of this corporate website include local accounting firms, service providers, restaurants, hardware stores, flower shops, law firms...

Blog

Blogs are websites in which you can publish regular content, such as articles, news, opinions. They include text, images, videos and links to other web pages.

They usually focus on a specific topic, such as technology, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, business, music and an endless variety of topics. 

These pages allow visitors to leave comments and participate in the discussion of published content. 

In fact, this article you are reading right now can be found in our blog. 

Portfolio

A portfolio support for creative professionals, such as photographers, writers, artists, designers, filmmakers or musicians, to show your work online in an organized, professional and accessible manner. 

In addition, they include information about the person, their skills and previous projects. 

Some portfolios are hosted on websites like Behance, Dibbble, Carbonmade or in your own domains. 

Online store or e-commerce

This type of web pages are used by companies for selling products online. 

To have your online store you can choose to use tools like WooCommerce, Shopify or develop your own website with coding.  

E-commerce usually contains a lot of integrated features such as payment gateway, shipping calculations based on product location and weight, terms and conditions pages along with detailed FAQs on privacy policies and delivery information.

Products can range from digital, such as downloadable e-books, to variable items or products.

Microsites

A microsite is a independent website focusing on a specific campaign or theme. It is often used as a way to promote products, events or initiatives, and offer a more focused and detailed user experience.

Landing page

A landing page is a website that is used to promote a specific product or service. These websites are designed to convert visitors into customers or leads. 

With a focus on conversion, clear messaging, simple design, mobile optimization, A/B testing, tracking and analytics, landing pages can help a campaign perform better and be more likely to convert.

Web applications

Web applications are online programs running in the browser and allow users to perform specific tasks, such as managing projects or creating graphic designs.

Who uses this type of website? Well, technology companies or SaaS (Software as a Service) for the purpose of presenting their online application.

Some examples of web applications are: Trello, Canva y Asana. 

Ok, but what is the best website for my company or business project? Well, it depends on what you do, what you sell and also on your objectives. 

That is why it is important that you seek the advice of a technological ally, in order to review the needs of your company, the possibilities that best suit, and act in an organized and safe way.

Note that this is not a complete list of all the web pages you can create, but it should inspire you to start your own web project.

And you, do you already have a website or, on the contrary, are you thinking of developing one for your business? 

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Cloud storage

Imagine someone sends you an urgent email asking you to make some changes to a document. 

But, there is a problem, you cannot access the document without your computer.

This situation is increasingly widespread in the digital world in which we move and that is why companies and professionals resort to cloud storage. 

So in the following lines we reveal everything you need to know about storing and saving all your files in the cloud.

What is cloud storage?

Cloud storage makes it easier for individuals and businesses to saving, accessing, downloading and sharing data and applications over the Internet, instead of storing them on physical devices (hard disks, pen drives). 

With cloud storage, you can access your data from anywhere, anytime, as long as you have an internet connection.

How does it work?

Cloud storage is based on cloud technology, which allows users to access a network of remote servers over the Internet. 

The data is stored on these servers and you will be able to access it through an application or a web page.

Advantages and disadvantages of cloud storage

There is no doubt that the emergence of the cloud has brought about a real revolution in the field of IT and technology. 

Although there is still a division between those who prefer physical data storage systems, such as hard disks or pen drives, and the cloud. 

Some of the advantages of cloud storage:

  • Access files anywhere the Internet is available.
  • No need for additional hard drives.
  • File recovery in case of data loss.
  • File updates on all devices.
  • Share your files and folders in a simple way with whomever you want, whether with your clients, your co-workers or your friends.

While the disadvantages are:

  • You need an Internet connection, unless you pre-download the files.
  • Privacy and security issues, storing data in a public cloud increases the risk of leaks and privacy violations.
  • Risk of service interruptions due to technical problems or cyber attacks.

Types of cloud storage

There are different types of cloud storage, each with its own characteristics and advantages:

  • Public cloud storage: The servers are managed by a cloud storage company. Any user with an Internet connection can access them. Some examples of this type of storage are: Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive.
  • Private cloud storage: Servers are managed by a company or organization and are only accessible to authorized users. This is why it is the most suitable option for those who need to store confidential data or information that they do not want to share with third parties.
  • Hybrid cloud storage: Combines public and private cloud storage. It allows users to access their data on both public and private servers.
  • Dedicated cloud storage: This type of storage is designed for a specific use, such as image storage or data storage for a specific application. For example, some services offer cloud storage specifically for video creation or project management.

In addition, there are also cloud storage services with additional features, such as automatic backup, data replication and automatic scalability. 

As you can see, there are different cloud storage options to meet the specific needs of each user or company. 

Therefore, cloud storage is a storage solution that has become increasingly popular due to its advantages in terms of accessibility, scalability, security and cost efficiency. 

However, you should also be aware of its disadvantages and take measures to minimize risks and ensure data privacy and security.

Tell us, are you already using cloud storage?

If you liked this article and you think it could be useful for someone, do not hesitate to share it.

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Go digital or go away

Why should an SME go digital? What is the need to complicate your life if everything is running smoothly, just as we have it? 

Well, even if it seems to you that everything is running smoothly in your SME, you may not be considering all aspects. 

Nowadays, SMEs face a constant challenge to stay competitive in an increasingly connected and globalized world. 

That's why they must adapt. And one of the ways they can do this is through digitization.

What is digitalization?

Digitalization and digital transformation are often confused, but there are some key differences. In this article we already talked about Digital Transformation, which is the goal we aspire to in order to differentiate ourselves, offer an optimal experience and get our users to choose us every time.

Digitalization is a previous and essential step, and refers to the use of digital tools to automate and improve the processes of a business. 

This includes the automation of administrative tasks such as electronic invoicing, inventory management or order tracking. It also encompasses the use of tools to manage customer relationships (CRM), analyze data, make video calls, collaborate and share information in real time with your employees or partners.

By digitizing their processes, SMEs will improve efficiency and reduce costs.. 

In addition, the digitization makes it easier for SMEs to reach a much wider audience,as they can create an online presence and use social media and search engines to reach new customers around the world. 

Digitalization must be strategic and orderly, with a well-structured implementation plan to ensure that we are using the appropriate digital tools or adapted to our business efficiently. Digitalization yes, but personalized. Let's not forget that our business must differentiate itself and reflect who we are.

This is especially important for SMEs operating in local markets and looking to expand internationally where they will be competing with multiple suppliers.

It is proven that small and medium-sized companies that digitize correctly have the greatest chance of success in an increasingly competitive and connected marketplace. 

Benefits of digitizing your SME

Digitization offers SMEs several advantages. Some of the most important are:

  • Improved efficiency: ya que permite automatizar muchas tareas y procesos, y esto reduce el tiempo y los costos necesarios para llevarlos a cabo, pudiendo dedicar ese ahorro a tareas más creativas.
  • Longer range: Thanks to digitalization, SMEs can be seen by a much wider audience. By creating an online presence and search engine optimization, we have unlimited access to new customers worldwide.
  • Improvement in communication:Digitization enables SMEs to communicate more efficiently with their employees, partners and customers, using online tools to collaborate on projects or solve problems (such as cloud drives, shared calendars, time and vacation management applications, task tracking, etc.).
  • Customization:You can collect information on your customers' use of services or products and use it to improve your services by adapting them to the needs detected.
  • Improved decision making:Using data analytics tools makes it easier for SMEs to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of their customers, their buying habits and their needs. This helps them make informed decisions, adapt quickly to change and take advantage of opportunities to grow their business.

Technologies that you should implement in your SME

The technology has been changing the way businesses operate. Some of the basic technologies to implement in SMEs are:

  • Devices: that allow you to communicate with your employees, customers or suppliers in a faster and easier way.
  • Cloud security:will help you ensure the recovery of important data in the event of cyber-attacks or loss of information.
  • Protection applications:there are many applications that protect relevant or confidential information and keep it safe.
  • Online presence and sales:having a website or an online store will make it easier for you to keep your information available to everyone, sell your products or services through the Internet and thus increase your visibility, positioning and potential customers for your SME.

Keep in mind that having a profile on social networks is not being digitized, but just another step towards having a presence on the Internet. We say this mainly because in social networks you do not have ownership of what you publish, but the content is in the hands of each network, with all the risks that this entails (censorship, changes in the terms of use, content theft, identity theft), while on your website you have control. It is best to use the networks as a loudspeaker of what you can bring to your potential buyers and a way to bring them to your website, which would be your real place on the Internet.

In conclusion, digitization is a opportunity that SMEs should take advantage of to improve their competitiveness in an increasingly digitized market. 

Digitizing your company is not an option, but a necessity. And also, we would say that it is an obligation, because not doing so is to risk that your SME risks disappearing in the coming months or years. 

So if you have not yet gone digital, don't wait too long. 

Tell us, is your SME already digitized?

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5 reasons why your company needs digital transformation

Have you ever heard the term "digital transformation" and wondered what it means?

Well, you're not the only one. There are still many people, business owners, who are not clear. 

In fact, it is estimated that four out of ten companies will disappear by 2023 due to a lack of digital adaptation.

Because digital transformation, far from being a trend or a fad, is a reality. In this article we will tell you what digital transformation is and some reasons why your business needs it.

What is digital transformation and why is it important for companies?

The emergence of new technologies has changed the way we work, shop and even relate to each other.

That is why companies need to join this digital transformation process to avoid being left behind or obsolete.

But the lack of knowledge, fear of change and myths surrounding digital transformation make many entrepreneurs get goose bumps when they hear about it. That is why there are still companies that find it difficult to start this process.  

Digital transformation has accelerated more than ever, by leaps and bounds. And it has gone from being on everyone's lips to being a necessity. 

And 2020 highlighted the myriad benefits of digital transformation for businesses. 

So what is digital transformation and why should you care? 

Many businesses have not yet embraced digital transformation because they don't really understand what it's all about. 

In short, digital transformation uses tools, applications and technology to improve work processes, business outreach and customer experience. 

To help you understand this better, let's look at an example:

Nike, the famous sporting goods retailer, used to sell its shoes only through retail outlets in its early days. 

Now, customers can not only order their favorite sneakers online, but also have the ability to customize them, choosing color, graphics, text and even material. All from your website. That's digital transformation. 

So the next time someone asks you what digital transformation is, tell them this example to make sure they really understand its potential. 

Reasons for the digital transformation of your business

Here they go 5 reasons why you should seriously consider the digital transformation of your company

Reason #1: Improved efficiency and productivity.

Digital transformation can help your company automate manual processes and use technology to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

In addition, digitization streamlines internal collaboration processes between work teams. 

So an investment in the digitization of strategic processes will help you gain in competitiveness, agility and effectiveness.

Reason #2: More adaptability and flexibility.

Digital transformation helps your company become more agile. And even those that are open to adopting new digital technologies have a greater ability to adapt to market changes and customer needs.

Reason #3: Greater access to new markets and customers.

With the optimization of information analysis processes, you will be able to collect data of interest about customers and their consumption trends. 

This will give you the possibility to expand into new markets and also to achieve greater loyalty and digital trust of users in your brand.

Reason #4: Attract more customers. 

This is one of the main reasons why your company needs to go digital. 

Because the online environment where you are right now gives you the possibility to reach your potential customers. 

And if we add to that the improved user experience, you will attract more and more buyers interested in what your business offers them.

Reason #5: Improve customer experience. 

Thanks to digitalization, you will be able to communicate with your potential customers in a more direct and personalized way, providing them with a solution to the problems they have or have encountered. 

If you ensure that users have a good experience, for example, when browsing your website or through your social networks, you will have a point in your favor and you will get them to end up choosing the services or products you offer them.  

In short, digital transformation is essential for companies that want to compete in today's market, take advantage of technology and be prepared for the future. 

And while doing so will be a challenging process, the long-term benefit can be invaluable to your success. 

If your company doesn't evolve, it will fall behind. So if you don't want to be one of those, you know what you need to do. What are you waiting for? 

Tell us, have you already tackled the digital transformation of your company? 

If you need help to start your digital transformation journey, contact us.