After closing a $25 million investment round, website builder platform Duda enables end users and design agencies to build feature-rich websites quickly and at scale. The platform recently introduced an App Store feature that further extends websites' capabilities through the integration of Software as a Service (SaaS) apps. 

Conventionally, enabling SaaS-powered features is done by developing custom modules to manage the integration with these applications. Such integrations are typically challenging, as they require advanced technical knowledge and the purchase of enterprise-level SaaS accounts-all of which can be cost-prohibitive especially to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

With Duda's App Store, users can readily enable such features all within the site builder. This comes as a welcome development for design agencies whom many SMBs rely on for their website development and maintenance needs. Having such capabilities allows agencies to readily perform integrations to the numerous sites under their care. 

The challenges of integration

It's now common for businesses to use SaaS apps for their various business processes. By integrating SaaS apps to their websites, companies can become more efficient since the various functionalities they need can be found centralized under one digital channel. 

However, even app developers admit that integration can be a problem for users. Ninety percent of SaaS vendors admit that they have encountered difficulties making their apps work with customers' existing systems.

Technical barriers. Apps often have different proprietary systems that need to be reviewed and configured to work. Unfortunately, even seasoned developers have to take time to figure out how to use a particular app's API and ensure secure and seamless integrations. 

Security. SaaS integration can bring added data management and security problems. The apps themselves can contain vulnerabilities that expose users to hacking and cyberattacks. Poorly executed integrations can also pose similar risks.

Costs. To perform integrations properly, companies need to tap experienced and skilled developers. They may also need to incur some downtime as the integration is being performed.

Integration made easy

Fortunately, Duda has made it easy for users to integrate SaaS apps into their website through its App Store. All users need to do is select their chosen apps. Depending on the app, users have the choice to avail of trial accounts or readily purchase app subscriptions. The integration then happens seamlessly and the functionalities they need become readily available on their site.

Duda has partnered with the following apps from leading digital solutions providers:

• vCita is a CRM platform that allows small businesses to effectively manage client communications including email and SMS correspondence, marketing campaigns, client meetings, and payments.

• Uberall is a digital location marketing solution to help companies optimize their online visibility to increase the sales of their physical stores.

• Website accessibility solution AudioEye automatically reviews websites to fix accessibility issues and allow people with disabilities to use the sites and consume content. 

• Neustar Localeze is a listings management platform that helps SMBs manage and update their online business listing information in local search platforms and online directories to increase their reach to prospective clients. 

All integrations are also guaranteed to be secure.

Benefits of integration

By integrating SaaS apps, businesses can enjoy various benefits including:

More efficient work. By integrating apps into their website, companies can maximize their websites to become their go-to interface to perform various business tasks. They also don't have to worry about managing separate subscriptions, as they will be billed centrally by Duda.

Easier maintenance. Manually performing integrations requires developers to constantly track changes to the target apps' APIs to ensure that they consistently work. Future changes to the app or to the website can break integrations. Through Duda, all apps purchased through the store are guaranteed to work even if future updates and changes are deployed by these apps.

Engaged customers. Enabling SaaS-powered functionalities allow for richer customer experience. These allow for better engagement of users who are more likely to become promising leads or paying customers.

The launch of Duda's App Store comes as a much needed addition that will allow small companies to maximize their digital channels and use powerful tools to grow their business while sticking to their budgets and enjoying the peace of mind of safe and secure integration.