Ryan, I understand your concerns about the SaaS business model, and I must say that I share some of them. As you pointed out, the subscription fatigue and the lack of flexibility in SaaS products are significant issues. Companies are indeed reassessing their software subscriptions to cut costs, and the myth of flexibility in SaaS is being exposed. The fact that companies are considering building their own custom software or reverting to fixed-price contracts highlights the need for a more cost-effective and flexible approach.
Another concern I have is the security risks associated with SaaS platforms. The convenience and security risks of relying on SaaS platforms are undeniable. With the average organization using over 130 SaaS platforms, the attack surface is vast, and the risks of data leaks, supply chain attacks, and external attack surface expansion are significant. Moreover, SaaS providers face distinct challenges in meeting customers' expectations and maintaining efficiency while ensuring security, which can lead to data loss, unauthorized access, and other security breaches.
Lastly, the sales and overhead associated with SaaS products are substantial. The need for sales teams to perform demos, configure products, and negotiate pricing increases the overhead and decreases profit margins. This is particularly true for B2B SaaS products, which require significant sales involvement.