Why Choose SaaS Service Instead of Building Your Own OTT Platform?

Are you looking to start your streaming service or an organization looking to convert into the realm of OTT streaming service?

Well, you would have thought about various things that will go simultaneously in making the OTT platform. Some of these can be the type of content, target audience & country, revenue models, marketing, and most importantly the technology for creating the OTT platform. Many times people are stuck wondering if a SaaS-based platform is good or whether the custom-built solution is the right choice?

The rapid growth of cloud-based software solutions has shaken the traditional myths of in-house development being the lightest & fastest approach.

However, if you are also scratching your head in confusion then don’t worry because with this article we’ll try to differentiate between SaaS-based platforms VS custom-build ones and how  OTT SaaS solutions in USA  are a great choice.

So, let’s move on.

What is SaaS Solutions?

SaaS or Software as a Service is a cloud-based solution that offers users ready-built software & hardware that can be accessed through a secure online (Cloud) platform, which is offered on a subscription basis. 

In simple terms, it means you lease space on another’s software application for a specified period than buying the licenses to use the software indefinitely or getting the one for a custom build.

Instead of having to install & maintain the software, SaaS software allows the users to access it online or offline also.

Generally, there come 3 options when you may want to answer the technology question,

·       Using SaaS software on rent without owning it.

·       Buy a license for the software that lets you own the license but not the software.

·       In-house or external developers develop the software that lets you own all the code. 

The provider of SaaS service manages the host of features apart from accessing the application including the IT infrastructure, security, performance, and availability. 

5 Reasons to Choose SaaS-Based Service over a Custom Built Solution

Let’s examine some of those reasons why using a SaaS-based service is a great choice over a custom-built solution:

1.    Ownership – There is one of the biggest questions that come to mind while deciding between the two platforms is do I own the platform?

In the case of a SaaS-based platform, you may not necessarily own the ‘Technology’, moreover, in OTT SaaS providers in USA like Enveu, you are the owner of the entire business. You own full revenues, user data & reports, business name & all the associated rights with it.

In the case of the OTT platform you own the technology, but with added cost and some other headaches.

So, to be on the good side you should focus on the content rather than owning & maintaining the technology.

2.    Timeframe – It can take from months to years to build a custom-built streaming platform depending upon several factors like organization size, the scope of the project, number of developers & stakeholders, etc.

On the other, a SaaS subscription is instantaneous as the solution is pre-built and ready to deploy. The timeframe is also dependent on various factors that are usually client dependent like complex customization appeal, or ready to deploy using default features.

3.    Cost & Time Frame – In general, the custom-built software works out to be more costly compared to the SaaS platform’s subscription. It looks expensive because of the ‘subscription’ model, however, in long run, it works out to be cheaper.

The types of costs involved in building your own platform are:

·       Salaries of the developers

·       Cost of development

·       Operation cost & other overheads

·       Maintenance customizations & IT integration cost

·       IT infrastructure cost

·       Software & licensing cost

4.    Customization & Product Improvements – According to theory, custom-built software is easy to customize according to the needs, whereas SaaS software won’t necessarily be fully customizable.

As a matter of the fact is that factors like resource constraints require prioritization of features which can be a daunting task, so all the requirements can be met always. 

SaaS solution incorporates the best practices from multiple industries and organizations into the development of products ensuring maximum customer satisfaction. This way you are ensured of optimal utilization of features baked into the product-based user request which helps build an ecosystem that can be used for multiple applications.

These days most SaaS software comes with inbuilt APIs that let two programs exchange the information thereby facilitating the integration of a wide range of 3^rd party services.

5.    Security – A Good OTT SaaS provider in USA like Enveu comes with pre-built security features and no need to worry about the content that is being accessed or manipulated by any external sources. Unlike custom build OTT platform you would need to have dedicated personnel that work regularly for security upgrades that may be an added investment of both the time & cost.

SaaS Software

Custom Build

Secure platform pre-tested by QA specialist or any other third party. Subscribers can’t access security features.

The developer working with the organization has full control over the data protection policies.

Security updates are automatic

Manual review for security updates

Additional security risk is involved in online SaaS software.

The organization’s responsibility for ensuring stringent procedures and policies are followed.

Wrapping Up

Sharing the content on a streaming platform is not only great for monetization but also for promoting the business to the world. It’s better to test your business plan using a ready-made OTT SaaS solution in USA like Enveu.

So, create your streaming app using OTT SaaS software and start earning extra income.