BIW delivers its solutions on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) basis.

In the SaaS model, a software vendor develops a web-native software application and hosts and operates (either independently or through a third-party) the application for use by its customers over the internet. Customers do not pay to own the software itself but rather to use it.

The SaaS model allows BIW to deliver business-critical applications that are:

• more cost-effective
• scalable
• secure, and
• at lower risk to the customer.

Customer benefits

• more cost-effective provision of software, implementation and ongoing support
• little/no capital outlay – with hosting looked after by BIW, the main issue is ensuring access; as this is normally via a standard internet browser, few organisations need to invest in new hardware/software to access SaaS software
• more flexible – the service can be turned on and off quickly
• faster initial deployment of BIW applications
• more direct customer/vendor relationship – BIW responds quickly to new or evolving customer requirements
• quicker software development – faster development and release of new software functionality, upgrades and/or ‘patches’
• reduced risk – few organisations can commit to 24x7, fully resilient management of their ICT infrastructure; BIW’s core activity is 24x7 provision of the application and associated data to its customers
• greater availability of applications – unlike most in-house departments, BIW service level agreements commit it to high levels of application availability, security and reliability
• more scaleable – BIW, not the customer, is responsible for ensuring adequate hardware and bandwidth to cope with current and anticipated levels of application usage
• better use of in-house ICT resources – application-specific ICT skills are outsourced to BIW’s own experts
• more predictable expenditure on software, hosting and support, especially if via single regular monthly subscription payments
• better staff productivity – in addition to the more focused work of the ICT team, individual users in departmental or functional roles will enjoy greater access to the information they need to do their work efficiently.