AI Docs

What is SaaS Management?

2 min read

SaaS Management is the practice of discovering, governing, and optimising Software-as-a-Service applications across an organisation. It addresses the challenge of "SaaS sprawl"—the proliferation of cloud-based applications, often purchased without IT approval (Shadow IT), leading to wasted spend, security risks, and compliance gaps. Effective SaaS Management provides complete visibility into SaaS usage, enables cost optimisation, and ensures governance over an increasingly distributed application portfolio.

SaaS Management discovers and governs all SaaS applications, including Shadow IT

  • Reduces SaaS spend by identifying unused subscriptions and redundant tools

  • Addresses security and compliance risks from unmanaged applications

  • Provides visibility into who's using what, at what cost

  • Customers using platforms like CerteroX report up to 40% reduction in SaaS spend

Why SaaS Management Matters

The average enterprise uses 300-400 SaaS applications, but IT typically knows about less than half. The rest is Shadow IT—applications purchased by business units, teams, or individuals using corporate credit cards, often without security review or IT approval.

Challenge

Impact

Challenge

Impact

Wasted spend

30-40% of SaaS licences go unused or underutilised

Shadow IT risk

Unvetted applications may not meet security standards

Redundant tools

Multiple apps doing the same thing across departments

Compliance gaps

Data stored in unapproved locations, GDPR/regulatory exposure

How Certero Helps with SaaS Management

Certero for SaaS delivers comprehensive SaaS Management with Shadow IT discovery across multiple detection methods.

What Certero for SaaS Delivers

  • Shadow IT discovery — Find applications purchased on corporate credit cards without IT approval

  • Complete SaaS inventory — All applications, including those outside SSO

  • Usage analytics — Understand adoption, utilisation, and cost per user

  • Licence reclamation — Identify inactive users for licence recovery

  • Renewal management — Track all subscription dates and terms

Results

Customers report up to 40% reduction in SaaS spend through eliminating unused subscriptions, consolidating redundant tools, and right-sizing licence counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many SaaS applications does a typical organisation have?

Enterprises average 300-400 SaaS applications, but IT typically knows about less than half.

What is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT refers to technology—particularly SaaS applications—purchased or used without IT department knowledge or approval.

Last updated: February 2026