Factors Behind Successful Software-as-a-Service Integrations : A Case Study of a SaaS Integration at Scania

Abstract: The topic of this thesis is to evaluate Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) integrations in order to create a set of guidelines to help ease the integration of SaaS systems into internal in-house developed systems. It was achieved by performing a case study on a successful SaaS integration to locate relevant success factors to incorporate into upcoming SaaS integrations. The primary findings included a focus on the usage of standard solutions, experienced cooperation from the SaaS contractor and tactical usage of technical debt that extends the whole life cycle. While there are many success factors that aided to create a successful integration, there are still drawbacks to certain techniques that will have to be decided by the specific integrations requirements if the trade-off is worth it. There were other success factors that weighted in but was not crucial to the success, and certain factors that should be treated with caution due to the harmful effect it might have upon the project. Using the factors found in the case study, a set of guidelines with a focus on the processes and work methodology were created to ease future SaaS integrations for organizations and institutions.