Let’s admit that running a SaaS business is challenging. Your current system can’t keep up with your growing user base. Performance issues can slow things down. Or maybe your tech stack is outdated, and adding new features feels like patching a leaky boat.
In this case, SaaS migration can change things for the better. Moving your software to a new environment like the cloud service or a scalable architecture, can help you grow faster and improve performance. Plus, this is a great chance to cut costs and enhance the user experience.
SaaS migration is more relevant than ever. Statista states the global SaaS market is projected to reach $793 billion by 2029. That’s a massive opportunity, but only if your business is ready to grow and compete at that level. Migrating your SaaS product to a more scalable setup can help you stay ahead of the curve and meet the rising expectations of your customers.
But here’s the thing: SaaS migration isn’t easy. It requires careful software migration planning, the right tools, reliable SaaS providers and a clear strategy to make sure everything runs smoothly.
At Forbytes, we’ve helped SaaS companies migrate from outdated systems to more scalable solutions. It’s a complex process, but with the right approach, it can bring real business value.
In this article, we’ll share practical tips based on real projects to help you plan your SaaS migration and make it a success.
What Is SaaS Migration?
SaaS migration is moving your software from on-premise servers to a cloud-based setup where everything runs online. Instead of managing and hosting apps yourself, you rely on a subscription-based service that handles it for you.
It’s a smart move for many businesses, especially now. The average number of SaaS apps used by U.S. organizations jumped from just 8 in 2015 to over 110 in 2024. That’s a massive shift in how companies operate, and it shows how critical SaaS has become for growth.
Benefits of SaaS Migration
Why migrate to SaaS? SaaS (Software as a Service) is a smarter, more flexible way to run your business software. It takes the pressure off your team by handling everything from hosting to updates. So, you don’t have to worry about hardware, downtime, or manual upgrades.
But let’s get to the real question: What’s in it for you? Here’s how your business will benefit from migrating to SaaS.
SaaS migration saves your money
Forget about buying expensive servers or paying big bucks upfront for software. With SaaS, you usually pay a monthly fee. That means lower startup costs and more predictable spending.
Imagine a mid-sized marketing agency that moved from managing their own email and project tools to using Google Workspace and Asana. Instead of spending over $20,000 on servers and licenses, they now pay about $600 a month. That’s a big saving, and no more maintenance headaches.
You can run faster
Traditional software setups can take months. With SaaS, you just log in, and you’re ready to go. It’s that easy. Your team can start using the software in days, not months.
SaaS migration lets you start using the software more quickly. In fact, Deloitte says it cuts setup time by 40% compared to traditional software. That means you can start working and see results sooner.
Your business will become more secure
Worried about data breaches? With SaaS migration, security is handled for you. SaaS providers stay up to date on the latest threats, install patches, and keep your data safe. So, you don’t have to worry about this.
And you’re not alone: 86% of organizations now see SaaS security as a top priority, and 76% have boosted their security budgets to stay protected.
You can grow at your own pace
Need more users? More storage? More features? That’s not a problem. SaaS can scale with your business, whether you’re growing fast or just starting out.
Imagine a small online store using a SaaS platform like Shopify. As their customer base grows, they can easily upgrade their plan to access more features, like better performance, advanced reports, and extra tools. All of this happens without the need to switch platforms or build new infrastructure.
So see, moving to SaaS is more than a tech upgrade, it’s a smart business strategy. You’ll save money, work faster, stay secure, and have more time to focus on what matters most.
Need help with SaaS migration? Get in touch with Forbytes, and we’ll get back to you with our proposals.
Challenges of SaaS Migration Process (Solutions Added)
SaaS cloud migration has a lot to offer, but the move doesn’t come without a few hurdles along the way. Migrating your software and data to the cloud takes planning, time, and sometimes a shift in how your team works. Let’s reveal the most common challenges to prepare for them in advance.
High migration costs → Planning and control
Even though the SaaS migration process usually saves money in the long run, the initial switch can be expensive. You’ll need to move your data, possibly change some processes, and train your team on new tools.
Good planning helps avoid surprises and keeps costs under control. Create a clear step-by-step plan with priorities and key milestones to use your resources wisely and avoid going over budget.
Integrating with existing tools → Extra instruments and tech support
Sometimes, your old systems don’t play nice with new cloud apps. Integrating everything smoothly can be tricky, especially if your current setup is very customized.
You might need extra tools or technical support to make it all work together. Using APIs, middleware, or integration tools makes it easier to connect systems and cuts down on manual tasks.
Team resistance → Communication and training
Cloud migration means trusting an outside provider to manage updates, performance, and security. For some IT teams, that’s a big change.
Supporting your team through this shift with clear communication and proper training makes the transition easier. Get employees involved early, show them the benefits, and provide hands-on training to build trust and encourage adoption.
Performance drops → Reliable connection
Because SaaS runs in the cloud, you’ll need a strong, steady internet connection. If your team works in areas with weak or spotty internet, performance can take a hit. This is especially important for tools that require real-time data or fast response times.
A reliable network setup with backup options like mobile hotspots or failover connections will ensure consistent access and performance.
SaaS migration has its challenges, but with the right planning and support, they’re manageable. And the benefits, like flexibility, savings, and faster innovation, are well worth it.
SaaS Migration Models to Choose From
Not every business follows the same path when moving to SaaS. The best migration model for you depends on your priorities like data control, speed, or risk reduction. The goal is to make the move with as little disruption as possible.
Before we dive in, here are two terms you should distinguish:
- Single-tenant: You get your own dedicated software and infrastructure.
- Multi-tenant: You share infrastructure with others, like most public cloud services.
Let’s break down the four common SaaS migration approaches:
- Siloed migration: You move to SaaS, but keep everything separate on your own infrastructure. This SaaS model is best for companies that need full control over data and don’t want to share resources.
- Layered migration: You move your systems step by step: one service at a time. It fits businesses that want to ease into SaaS without taking big risks all at once.
- Data migration: You move all your data to the cloud in one go. The data migration model is suitable for companies ready to fully leave on-premises systems behind and streamline operations.
- Parallel migration: You run both the old and new systems at the same time to compare results. This SaaS model is best for regulated industries (like finance) where accuracy must be 100% before switching fully.
Each model has pros and cons, it depends on your goals, team, and how fast you want to move. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. With the right guidance, your migration can be smooth, secure, and successful.
Need help with picking the right SaaS migration model? Let Forbytes guide your migration.
SaaS Migration Planning: 10 Core Steps from Forbytes’ Expert
Cloud migration sounds like a big move, and it is. But when you break it down into steps, it becomes much more manageable. These ten steps will guide you through the process and help you avoid surprises during SaaS migration.
Step 1: Figure out what you’re moving and why
Start by understanding what part of your system you want to move to SaaS. Is it your CRM? Your accounting software? Everything? Think about the processes involved, like data migration, what’s working well, and what’s holding you back. This gives you clarity and a solid starting point.
Step 2: Look for SaaS solutions that fit your needs
Explore what’s out there. Compare options, check features, pricing, and most importantly, see how well each tool integrates with the software you’re already using. Don’t just pick the most popular SaaS solutions, opt for the one that works best for your business.
Need help with choosing the right solution? Contact Forbytes! We’ll support you every step of the way, from understanding your needs to finding the best option for your budget, functionality, and goals.
Step 3: Map out the migration process
Now it’s time to plan. Create a clear SaaS migration roadmap. Decide what happens first, who’s responsible for what, and how you’ll handle possible disruptions. Make sure your tech team (whether in-house or external) has the skills and support to make it happen.
Step 4: Define your data flows
What data needs to move? Where is it coming from, and where should it go? Mapping out data streams early will help avoid errors and ensure that everything ends up in the right place and data migration is successful.
Step 5: Implement and set up integrations
Start connecting your SaaS tools with the rest of your systems. This is where APIs, connectors, or custom setups come in. Make sure everything is configured properly before going live.
Step 6: Test, test, test
Before switching everything over, test your integrations and workflows. Are the tools talking to each other correctly? Are the right people getting the right data? Catching bugs now is way better than cleaning up messes later.
Step 7: Train your team and share how it works
Even the best tools fall flat if no one knows how to use them. Create user-friendly instructions and offer walkthroughs or training sessions to help your team adjust and feel confident using the new system.
Step 8: Set up monitoring
Keep an eye on how your integrations and key data flows are working. If something breaks or slows down, you’ll want to know right away. Monitoring tools can help you catch and fix issues early.
Step 9: Make the switch
When everything’s ready, go live! Move your operations to the new SaaS environment. Do this gradually if needed, or all at once if the plan is solid and risks are low.
Step 10: Gather feedback and improve
Ask your team what’s working and what’s confusing. Use that feedback to make adjustments, improve training, or fine-tune your setup. SaaS migration doesn’t end when you switch, as improving it is an ongoing process.
We hope these steps help guide you through your SaaS migration journey. But if you’d prefer expert support, the Forbytes team is here to help.
Get in touch with us, we’d be happy to discuss how we can support your migration and future growth.
How Forbytes Helped HFN Integrate SaaS with iPaaS
HFN, a Scandinavian furniture company, had a growing business, but also growing challenges. They used several in-house systems to manage product data, pricing, and admin tasks. As the business scaled, these systems became harder to maintain and more expensive to operate. It was clear they needed a smarter, more flexible setup.
Moving to specialized SaaS solutions
To streamline their operations, HFN decided to replace their outdated tools with specialized SaaS solutions. They chose Syndigo to manage product information, PriceEdge for dynamic pricing, Avensia Excite to power their e-commerce frontend, and Commercetools to handle backend e-commerce functions. But to make these systems work together, they needed a reliable integration layer. That’s where Forbytes came in.
The Role of iPaaS and Forbytes’ approach
HFN selected iCore as their iPaaS platform. It was a solid choice, but it came with challenges. iCore didn’t store data long term and had to fetch it in real time from different sources. Forbytes was tasked with building a seamless integration system that could handle these constraints while ensuring stability and speed.
Building a seamless integration flow
We started by mapping out how data should flow between all the tools. Then we built and tested custom workflows in iCore that could transform and validate data on the fly. Our goal was to make sure everything, from product updates to pricing changes, moved smoothly between systems, without delays or errors. To keep things running reliably, we added monitoring tools and trained HFN’s team to work with the new setup.
The result: a scalable SaaS system
The result was a lean, scalable system that automated key business operations and kept everything in sync in real time. With this new SaaS-based architecture and solid iPaaS integration, HFN is now better equipped to grow, and Forbytes continues to support them along the way.
Final Thoughts
SaaS migration is more than just moving data. It’s about making your business smarter, cutting costs, and becoming more flexible. Whether you want to update old systems, grow your business, or improve user experience, having the right plan matters.
With good planning, the right migration model, and expert help, your move to SaaS can be smooth, bring long-term benefits, and protect sensitive data.
At Forbytes, we help SaaS businesses with every step of their migration. From planning and design to setup and integration, we’ve got you covered.
Thinking about migrating your SaaS or upgrading your cloud? Contact Forbytes for expert help in building a scalable system.
