Holding The Reins of Your Data

Most SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions in the market do not allow their customers access to their own ERP database. While there is a multitude of reasons why you might need to access your data whenever you want, if you don’t choose your SaaS partner wisely, you might find yourself in a problematic situation. 

Data is a powerful thing, and while it can be used to boost the growth of your business, it can also be used negatively. Be it any vendor, no one ever wants to lose a customer for any reason. But while a leaving customer is not an ideal thing, an ethical vendor should always accept it and take it as part of the ups and downs of business. On the contrary, not all SaaS vendors are this principled. The majority of service providers in the SaaS market can and will hold your data hostage at the very instance they realize that you no longer require their services. 

Unnecessary complications

Such a step to make things complicated for you and your business can never be justified. Ideally, the vendor should help you through the transition from their service to a new solution smoothly. But the type of vendors we’re talking about will exhaust every option they have to retain you as a customer. When all fails, they still have one last trump card to play: your data. Your own data can be held hostage to threaten you not to leave the services of the provider. This can be done in a variety of ways.

1. You will be locked out of any little access you have to your data (if you have it)

2. They might tell you that if you choose to discontinue your partnership with them, all your data stored on their application will be permanently lost

3. They can attempt to hinder data transfer and make it needlessly complicated

4. Your data may be placed at a security breach risk

The vital message to be taken from situations like this is to realize how critical it is to research and review thoroughly before you enter into a formal business relationship with a software provider. You should discuss the ownership of data with the provider – clearly define who can access the data, who controls it, and what will happen should you decide to end the partnership with the vendor. 

Conclusion

Here at Tentacle Solutions, we ensure our customers of full ownership and control of their own data. If you enter a business relationship with us, rest assured about full control and access to your data. With us, you are in charge of your software solution. Yes, we are here to help you out, but you will never feel out of control of your own data and software system. As mentioned above, data is a powerful thing, and we believe your power should lie in your hands.