What is Software as a Service or SaaS?

How many times have you heard the word SaaS? Well, if you're a developer, this information might be of interest to you, especially if you're looking for a job, or want to become independent, or are looking for a way to generate income.

In recent years, Software as a Service (SaaS)** has become one of the most popular and profitable models in the tech world. Instead of selling software as a single product, SaaS offers it as a subscription service, often hosted in the cloud, making it easier to maintain, update, and scale.

For developers, this change represents more than just a technical evolution. It's a new way of working, developing, and generating income.

What is SaaS?

SaaS refers to software distributed over the internet, usually through a browser, and billed on a recurring basis: monthly, annually, or based on usage. Think of tools like Google Workspace, Slack, or Notion. They are not permanently downloaded or licensed; instead, you pay to access them as long as you need them, generating a fixed monthly or annual income.

For users, SaaS offers convenience, automatic updates, and eliminates the need for complex installations. For developers, it means a continuous revenue stream, direct user interaction, and greater flexibility to iterate and improve the product.

Traditionally, many developers relied on freelance or contract work for income, building apps, websites, or fixing bugs for clients. While this model offers flexibility, it also has limitations: revenue limits, client lock-in, and the constant search for a new project.

Now, more and more developers are jumping into creating their own SaaS products. Whether it's a specialized time-tracking tool, a micro-SaaS for newsletter automation, or a platform for managing freelance work, the barrier to entry has been lowered thanks to cloud infrastructure, low-code tools, and improved developer communities.

This trend is a game-changer:

How ​​This Impacts the Freelance Work Landscape

The rise of independent SaaS developers is driving a shift in how tech talent approaches work. Instead of bidding for projects or responding to job postings, developers are focusing on building tools they wish existed and then offering them to others with the same need.

While freelance work won't disappear, the appeal of owning a product and developing it independently is drawing many developers to SaaS.

SaaS is more than a business model: it's a movement. As more developers realize they can turn their skills into products instead of hours, we're witnessing the rise of a new generation of tech entrepreneurs in the freelance world.