SaaS LIMS Deployments: Key Hosting and SLA Factors to Consider

Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions have become increasingly popular for organizations across the industry spectrum. SaaS allows companies to deploy products without the need to invest in servers or ancillary software. This is beneficial for companies with limited IT resources, as SaaS providers monitor and manage the software, including product updates, patches and backups. Additionally, SaaS solutions allow users to access the product from anywhere, via a secure platform. There are several deployment options in choosing a SaaS solution. Organizations will need to determine whether they are able to utilize a public cloud or require a private cloud for enhanced security. It’s also of relevance to consider whether data can be stored in a Multi-Tenant environment or will require a Single-Tenant environment. Additionally, access to support is a significant consideration. Private Cloud vs Public Cloud, Single vs Multi-Tenant and Support needs will distinctly affect subscription prices, so organizations will want to keep this in mind when defining operational expenses. Data Centers vary greatly, ranging from Tier 1 - Tier 4, depending on Compliance, Security, and Redundancy systems in place. Terms such as SSAE, ISO, PCI, HIPAA and GDPR are often referenced, along with the use of Physical and Electronic security measures. It is important to understand these terms, as they relate to the level of overall security the Data Center provides. Prospective SaaS users must carefully examine the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Every organization will have different priorities for their SaaS solution and a different tolerance for risk. Whether guaranteed up time, response time and/or security are the most important; a solid SLA will thoroughly address the critical aspects of the contract. This presentation will provide an outline for organizations to follow as they investigate either a new LIMS Vendor or migration of their existing LIMS solution to a SaaS environment.