Research produced by Wolters Kluwer business CCH found that 30 per cent of high-performing firms employ such tools.

 

In addition, over half (55 per cent) of those questioned plan to include them in their operations within the next three years.

 

The software is used in areas such as staffing, client services, performance optimisation and practice management, the survey revealed, with incorporation of SaaS resulting in improvements in efficiency, continuity, software deployment, and application portability.

 

As well as this, it was found to help reduce total cost of ownership and capital expenses.

 

"Many firms are recognizing that a combination of on-premise and SaaS solutions, based on their particular business requirements, will offer the greatest results and return on investment," explained Mike Sabbatis, president of CCH.

 

He added that high-performing enterprises see technology as "a fundamental part of their business platform".

 

Last month, Gartner research director Mike Spink stated that SaaS can help small and medium-sized businesses reduce their costs.

 

He urged them to incorporate it into their IT strategies in the coming years.