As technology has improved, businesses can digitize more and more processes. From administrative processes like invoicing to maintenance tasks and work orders, your business has a lot of data. You spend time and money to collect data and focus on the quality and accuracy of what you collect. However, it is equally important to understand how and where your data is stored. Your business relies on this data to make decisions or keep your maintenance plan in action, so losing your data would be a major business loss. This is why it is important to weigh your options of server-based vs. cloud-based software.
What Are Your Data Storage Options?
Secure data storage is a must, and there are two main options: Server or Cloud.
Server-based software is often called on-premise, on-prem, or premise software. This type of software hosts your data on your local server. Storing your own data means that you own the server, but also requires you to back up and maintain.
Cloud-based software is typically called Software as a Service (SaaS), SaaS cloud, cloud, cloud solutions, hosting, hosting in the cloud, on-demand software, or hosted software. This means that the software vendor or a third-party site is hosting your data. The cloud is a remote server that you access via the internet.
When it comes to understanding server-based vs. cloud-based software, you are more familiar with it than you may realize. A simple example to illustrate the difference between server and cloud storage is to think about your computer. When you have a file stored on your computer, it is essentially stored on the “local server” that is your computer’s hard drive. You can only access that file at your computer. Alternatively, if you store a file on Google Drive or iCloud, then it is stored in the cloud. You can access that file from any device, anywhere, as long as you log in. This may start to demonstrate the benefits of cloud-based software, as it is fast and accessible.
The Ins and Outs of Cloud-Based Software
You are more familiar with cloud-based software than you may even realize. Email providers like Gmail, storage and collaboration platforms like Dropbox and Google Drive, and your phone and apps are all cloud-based.
Benefits of the Cloud
Cloud-based software is a more cost-effective option with several benefits.
- No Internal IT (information technology) Required – It saves you the hassle of server maintenance and upgrades.
- Flexible – You don’t have to forecast your data storage needs to purchase a server. The cloud allows you to just use what you need, and you can increase your storage space as your business and data grow.
- Lower Upfront Cost – Not only do you not have to purchase a server, but also you don’t have to upgrade your computer or mobile devices to make space for your data.
- Efficient – The biggest benefit is the flexibility and efficiency of cloud-based software. You and your team can access the data from anywhere.
- Fast – The cloud syncs instantly, providing real-time, accurate information for your business.
- Redlist Cloud with Offline Access – A commonly referenced con to cloud-based software is that you can’t access your data without an internet connection. However, with Redlist’s offline capabilities, your team will still have access to data and be able to use the mobile app. Once they are back online, their recorded data will sync.
How Server-Based Software Measures Up
Cloud-based software has a long benefits list, so why would anyone choose server-based software? Some businesses prefer to have total control over their system setup, their download and upload speeds, and their data security. This involves an upfront cost of purchasing and installing the server system, as well as the cost to maintain it. Server maintenance involves regular backups, security upgrades, and troubleshooting if problems occur. While it may feel more secure, it does come with considerably more work than cloud-based software.
Empower Your Team with Redlist’s Cloud-Based Software
Cloud-based software is affordable, reliable, scalable, and requires no IT resources to implement. Redlist is a cloud-based mobile app that your team can access on mobile devices, computers, and web browsers. We offer offline capability, so your field employees always have access to get their jobs done. If you have any questions about how your data is stored, we can go over that in our product demo.
