More businesses are resorting to online solutions and Software as a Service (SaaS) as the digital transition intensifies. Software as a service is one of the most admired and widely used business models, and it has been shown to enhance ROI for both the organization and the users.

SaaS application development solutions have expanded into practically every industry, from software development to entertainment and finance, and instances of SaaS applications can now be found almost anywhere.

SaaS stands for Software as a Service. The emphasis is on “service” – it is not a one-time transaction, but rather a continuous encounter that provides clients with ongoing value. The user experience is how SaaS apps deliver value. When you look at UX design in this light, it’s easy to see why UX is one of the most crucial aspects of SaaS.

When SaaS first appeared on the market, it immediately began to replace traditional software on a disc. This is because they provided a far better experience by offering better value as well as more convenient user interfaces. Software companies that continue to develop desktop-oriented programmes usually provide a poor user experience, particularly on mobile devices.

In 2021, when best-in-class user experiences can be downloaded in the App Store for free, people don’t just want the software they use at work to have great UX, they’ve come to expect and demand it.

It’s not that SaaS, in comparison to desktop-oriented applications, offers better UX by definition. For example, most SaaS companies in the space of sales and marketing usually start small and grow very complex as they add up new features and additional products.

When we were working on designing TextMagic, a SaaS product in the sales and marketing space, complexity was the main problem we wanted to avoid. To reduce the complexity we combined marketing campaigns, CRM, and help desk functionality on one platform.

This way with the help of design we made the product simple and pleasant to use and as we already know a great user experience is a key to SaaS success. With so many SaaS applications that surround us, this business model has become the most popular and profitable for software entrepreneurs.

Let’s quickly dive into the popular examples of SaaS Applications.

1. SalesForce

Salesforce, one of the most popular b2b SaaS examples, is an American cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) services and software. Besides customer service, analytics, marketing automation, and application development, it also offers enterprise applications.

To increase customer loyalty and satisfaction, Salesforce spends an average of 37% on its customer sales tools.

In addition to connecting businesses with existing customers, Salesforce allows them to interact with stakeholders. You can use Salesforce’s services to: 

• Monitor leads and gathers information.
• Improve sales by tracking insights.
• Boost the productivity of your sales team.
• Leads should be engaged directly. 
• Collaborate with sales representatives to create email campaigns.

The main features are as follows:

• Managing contacts
• Management of opportunities
• Collaboration in sales
• Monitoring and managing sales performance
• Managing leads
• Automated marketing
• Statistics on sales
• Management of partners

Provides innovative solutions for managing customer relationships and sales teams across the board.

2. Zendesk

Zendesk is a cloud-based platform that is an example of a SaaS application that allows representatives to respond more efficiently to incoming customer requests via any communication channel – email, web, social media, phone, or chat. 

Read Also: How to Account For Software as a Service

In addition to the basic chat version, Zendesk also includes a call centre and knowledge base so that you can cover all your bases right from the start.

Despite being free, businesses can quickly scale this live chat tool to meet their growing needs. When their business requirements become more complex, they can upgrade to advanced IM tools such as widget branding, conversation tracking, web SDK, CSAT surveys, and answer bots.  

The main features are as follows:

• System for tracking tickets
• Live chat and messaging
• Analyses and reporting
• Software for customer service 
• The answer bot
• Forum for the community

Zendesk is a service-first CRM company that builds support, sales, and customer engagement software designed to foster better customer relationships.

3. Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinar platform that is easy to use, reliable, and affordable. Due to the pandemic and remote working’s popularity, Zoom’s popularity skyrocketed in 2020. Virtual communication is primarily used by freelancers, teams, and businesses of all sizes for personal and professional purposes. 

In addition to virtual video and audio conferencing, users can set up screen-sharing, live chats, distance education, and webinars through this platform. The Zoom video conferencing software is available as SaaS and is easy to set up.

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. is a communications technology company headquartered in San Jose, California. Because of its popularity and usefulness in enabling users to collaborate from anywhere, Zoom has found a strong place in the popular examples of SaaS applications. A major focus of Zoom’s Software is video telephony and online chat.

The main features are as follows: 

• Chats and meetings
• Workspaces and rooms
• Systems for phone calls
• Webinars via video
• The marketplace
• Platform for developers

As a free cloud video conferencing service, Zoom offers HD video conferencing, mobility, and web meetings all in one.

4. Dropbox

With Dropbox, you can store files, sync them with your cloud, and use the client software. Dropbox creates a special folder on the user’s computer that keeps all files together in one place. Dropbox’s servers and other devices where the Dropbox software has been installed sync the contents or files of this folder now.

The site uses a freemium business model, meaning users can sign up for a free account and pay for additional storage and features if they wish.

Through password-protected links, Dropbox users can invite teammates to access any folder and send specific files and images. It slashes costs, improves scalability, enables easy upgrades, and saves businesses time to focus on what they do best: running their business.

The main features are as follows: 

• Store and access files from anywhere.
• Allows you to create and edit your work, including cloud content and Microsoft Office files.
• Provides desktop experience with smart content suggestions.
• Notifies of progress updates and to-dos added to descriptions.
• Connect your tools (Slack, Zoom, HelloSign, and other Dropbox integrations) to Dropbox.
• Paper, a collaborative doc for your team-create content easily and organize your projects using timelines, to-dos, and tables.

Ability to share files and photos with multi-language support.

5. G Suite

Using the SaaS applications that Google offers, businesses and individuals of all demographics have gained a better way of life. Google Suite now offers applications that need no introduction, such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive. Your familiarity with all of these SaaS examples demonstrates the importance of these SaaS apps.

With its comprehensive product line, G Suite offers a comprehensive ecosystem for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises. Unlike its competitors, it is available on all devices and works with Android.

The main features are as follows: 

• Provides every user with a professional email address.
• Stores everything Cloud.
• Get high-quality Google apps like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and more.
• Search across apps with powerful Cloud storage.
• Flexible account management.
• Data management with Google Vault.
• Offline apps that are ad-free and mobile-responsive.

With G Suite, you can collaborate on the same document with your team members in real-time.

6. Quixy

Quixy is a no-code platform that empowers citizen developers to solve unique challenges and bring ideas to life. With its ability to allow users to create applications without writing any code, Quixy stands out in the examples of SaaS applications list. Creating simple, complex workflows with Quixy’s easy-to-use visual interface takes just a few minutes.

Most organizations can benefit from the platform’s ready-to-use apps for common processes. These Apps can be used as-is or customized based on your organization’s needs, such as applicant tracking systems, employee onboarding systems, leave management systems, project management systems, IT service requests management systems, travel and expense management systems, CRM systems, etc.

The main features are as follows: 

•  The platform is available for offline usage
• Manage tasks easily and effectively
• No-Code App Development
• Process design to create custom workflows aligned with business objectives.
• Generate documents.
• Combine data from many apps, data tables, or a combination of both
• Provide actionable insights into trends, resource utilization, etc., for informed decision-making.
• Every user can build and configure their dashboard.
• Secure and scalable

Automate business processes and workflows and build enterprise applications 10X faster with No-Code Digital Transformation software.

7. Slack

The SaaS application development solution Slack is one of the most prominent examples of SaaS applications. It is a business communication platform that offers a wide range of features.

With privacy protection and complete end-to-end encryption security, this includes both private messages and group discussions.

Slack offers a perfect medium for communication and collaboration in situations where an email is too much (too formal) and messaging apps are too informal. Many companies use it as their virtual headquarters due to its simple interface and integration with various apps.

Features Include:

• Connect Slack with over 2,200 other services, such as Google Drive, Office 365, and more.
• Flexible communication through chatting, sending audio and video clips, or joining a huddle to talk things through live.
• Work faster by switching tabs less.
• Automate routine actions and communications, so you can focus on the work only humans can do.
• Using your encryption keys, you have complete control and visibility over your data in Slack.

With Slack, you can communicate with your team in a new way. Compared to email, it’s faster, more organized, and more secure.

8. Box

Using Box, teams can securely collaborate anywhere, anytime, on any device. Through Box, users can securely collaborate on and share large files via a traditional link or custom URL and safeguard vital documents and data with password protection and permissions. 

There are three types of Box accounts: Enterprise, Business, and Personal. Users can preview content before downloading with this Software, which supports more than 120 file types. A centralized file is used for sharing, editing, discussing, and approving content, and users are notified when changes are made. 

Using advanced security features, intelligent threat detection, and comprehensive information governance, Box protects your sensitive files in the cloud. To work together with complete peace of mind, get everyone on the same page in one place. 

The following are the main features: 

• Compliance and security
• Workflow and collaboration
• Integration of apps
• Suites for enterprises

Secure collaboration with anyone, anywhere, on any device

9. Netflix

Netflix Inc. is an American streaming service that combines subscriptions and productions and is one of the most used SaaS applications worldwide. Its offerings are award-winning television shows, movies, anime, and documentaries. There are millions of Netflix users worldwide, making it the most extensive entertainment and media brand in the world.

They began renting DVDs through the mail as part of their business model. In 2007, they launched streaming media and videos in response to customer demand. The company’s headquarters are in Los Gatos, California, in Santa Clara County.

Netflix’s entire value proposition is based on its ability to provide its customers with high-quality entertainment throughout the day. A comprehensive catalogue of content, including diverse content, is included in this promise. The service offers on-demand streaming and 24/7 access and is free of advertisements.

The following are the main features:

• Original titles
• Huge content library.
• Seamless streaming experience.
• Parental controls.
• Original content
• Multiple profiles.
• Great video quality. 
• Download content.

With Netflix, you can watch a wide choice of familiar network shows, as well as original series, films, documentaries, and specials that are not available anywhere else.

10. Intercom

With Intercom, businesses can build communication and engagement with their customers through behavioral targeting and user intelligence. By using Intercom, you can gain valuable insight into who is using your products and services. 

Using the Software, you can create personal communicators and send targeted, behavior-driven emails and messages within the app.

The solution can acquire, engage, and retain customers more efficiently. Your sales, marketing, and support teams will be able to communicate with customers efficiently and will be able to help your business grow exponentially over time. 

The following are the main features: 

• Messenger for business
• Customizable bots
• Answers are generated automatically
• Tours of products
• Help Center Articles
• Account-Based Marketing
• Apps + Integrations

Personalized conversations and automated support are provided by Intercom to over 25000 global organizations.