Pool Service Software, Local Vs. Hosted
In The Past...
In the past, all software was a "local" copy of software that was to be run on whatever given machine you were sitting in front of, using that physical hard drive and processor. Most software still comes in this form, but is increasingly moving towards "hosted" software.
Hosted software is software that runs on a server accessed through an internet browser rather than your local machine. Using cloud technology, the pool service software can actually run on several servers at a time, using several processors to make sure you have the computing power necessary to get the work done.
Hosted software is quickly becoming the new norm because of its many benefits. For example, VasserPro pool service software is compatible on all Mac and PC OS's with modern browsers, all data is backed up daily, and your data can be accessed from anywhere any time. But which you choose is up to you.
Pros And Cons
There are many benefits to each, and which you choose depends on how you operate your swimming pool service business and your personal preferences.
Access
Having your pool management software run on your local computer has the benefit that you do not need internet access to use your software. Hosted software requires access to the internet as the program is accessed entirely through a web browser.
Data Retention and Backup
With local copies of software on your hard drive, you can comfortably back up your data whenever you wish, and can keep multiple copies of it. If you choose not to back your data, you data can be corrupted or lost entirely if your hard drive crashes. With hosted software, all data is automatically backed up every day and lost data is a thing of the past.
Hardware Requirements
Hosted software is designed to run on any machine that has an internet browser. You can use an iPhone or any old PC. The speed hosted software will run is mostly limited to the bandwidth of your internet connection and has little to do with the hardware running the browser. Local copies of software are more closely tied to the limitations of hardware, but typically run faster on local machines because data transfer over the internet is often a bottleneck and is eliminated.
Additionally, hardware conflicts or failures will cause downtime with local running software if that is the only machine you can access your data from. By having your pool service software hosted on a server, you can access it from any computer or mobile device with internet access.
Automatic Software Updates
Hosted software automatically receives the latest updates for software and drivers to make sure everything is running nominally, so updates to VasserPro pool service software are immediate and seamless. However, you do not have the option of disallowing updates on hosted software like you do on local running software, so with hosted software you will recieve the latest and greatest whether you like it or not.
Summary
More and more, client side software is becoming a thing of the past and hosted software is becoming the norm. As internet connections increase in speed and reliability, you can be connected from nearly anywhere in the world. There are never any worries about hardware compatibility, hardware crashes, data corruption and data loss, or even the operating system you are running.
In the end, it comes down to preference. Do you prefer to have access to your customer data from any web browser, including smart phones? Do you prefer to have your data automatically backed up every day and you know will always be available even if your hard drive fries? If you answered yes, then our hosted VasserPro pool service software is what you are looking for.
Help
As always, if you have any questions or concerns on local vs. hosted software, please contact us any time.
For real-life experience of the benefits of hosted swimming pool service software, sign up and start your free trial today!
