Multi-tenancy is often a misunderstood term. Multi-tenancy is an architectural approach enabling a single instance of an application to be shared among multiple organizations or users. The core principle here is; it is the single instance of the application which is being shared. Hence, multi-instance architectures are not the same as multi-tenant architectures.

The multi-tenant approach models are divided into:

• Logical Data Separation

Permits all tenants the right to use a single database, the data is separated within the same database through implementing unique identifiers for storing and retrieving data.

• Physical Data Separation

This model separates the data by utilizing different databases for different clients (tenants).

Benefits of Multi-Tenant Architecture:

• Agility and Scale

In a multi-tenant environment, rolling out new capabilities can be done once for the entire infrastructure for all customers. A multi-tenant SaaS provider's resources are focused on maintaining a single, current version of the application, rather than spread out in an attempt to support multiple software versions for customers.

• Cost Efficiency

Multi-tenancy enables to share infrastructure across multiple tenants, leading to significant savings compared to dedicated hardware for each end customer. Lower costs can be achieved through economy of scale and using shared infrastructure. Reduced costs of development and deployment are passed on to the customers.

• Easier Application Management

Architecture of a multi-tenant application is easier for vendors to manage leading to a seamless experience for the customers.

• Quick Onboarding

Through automated process, new customer onboarding can be quick and easy.

• Less Down Time

Since all customers are using a shared infrastructure, vendor must ensure application is running smoothly at all times to avoid any disruptions and down time.

• Access to Periodic Updates

Customers don't need to pay for high costs for application maintenance and can get access to updates and enhancements through periodic updates.

• Community Building around the System

A single software version also creates an unprecedented sense of community where customers and partners share knowledge, resources, and learning.

• Simplification of Complex Processes

Being able to use part of the common data, for example, system is able to simplify complexities in situations like involving multiple tenants opting to share business partner exposure but keeping separate transactional data.

• Flexibility for Tenants

Loading new portfolios of different geographical locations, specific type of assets in each tenant, varying financial products and many such differences among tenants, but with all this having a common user management or separate, common business processes or separate etc., - all such flexibilities are provided for tenants.

• Layered Organizational Structure

Defining multiple finance companies under each tenant gives another layer of organizational structure.

If you are interested in finding out how NETSOL Technologies can enable cost efficiency for your business through multi-tenancy, get in touch with us here. This is the first article of the series highlighting Enterprise Platform - Must Haves for 2021 and Beyond.