Software vs. Web-based

What is the difference?
Software is installed on your local computer's hard drive or server. An installation requires you to have the proper hardware to run the application properly as well as maintain the necessary disk space to house all of the data. You need to maintain property Virus protection practices and back-up procedures. If you require to access your informatin remotely, you will need to create a proper firewall with an effective intranet structure. Web-based applications house all of your data on an external server and all of the back ups, virus protection and hardware requirements are done for you. You can access your information through a simple internet connection with your proper username and password. You have nothing to download and nothing to install.

What are the NEGATIVES of software applications?
Cost is one of the major negatives of software applications. You will need to pay for the initial product purchase as well as a yearly per user licence fee. You will most likely also have to pay for a technical support package. You will need to invest in a reliable server and back-up server. You will need to implement proceedures for backing up your information and maintaining propery security measures so that your information does not get compromised. You will need to invest in a person to manage and maintain your application and run the risk of losing valuable productive hours if that person doesn't stay an employee of your company throughout the length of use of the application.

What are the POSITIVES of web-based application?
Access your information from anywhere around the world. No software or hardware to purchase, install, manage or upgrade! No big intial cost investment, just a simple monthly membership fee. All of the data belongs to you and you can export it at any time!
All you need is an internet access and your personal username and password.

Save Money
Don’t pay for user licenses, servers, back-up servers, an I.T. staff person, an I.T. Infrastructure Don’t even pay for upgrades.