Cloud Vs On-Premises PMS

In many businesses, cloud-based software has steadily gained favour over more traditional on-premise systems, but which is right for you?

On-premise: Physically installed on a server and every computer accessing the PMS. The server located at your property stores all the data. Therefore, data security in back-ups and hardware maintenance must be handled in-house by the property, which is an expensive option costing several thousand to purchase. If you don’t have in-house IT support, you will also have to pay for regular maintenance and troubleshooting.

Cloud-based: All system data in a cloud-based PMS is housed off-site in a data centre and is accessed online. The requirements to access a cloud-based PMS are much lower than an on-premise system. An ordinary spec computer or mobile device is all that is required, and you don’t need an expensive server. Therefore, hardware costs can be up to 70% below the price of an on-premise PMS. Only essential IT support is required if a device has issues, and this can usually be handled in-house or by the local computer shop.

On-premise vs cloud based PMS

OTA and Channel Manager Integration

Remotely accessing an on-premise PMS can be technically challenging, making exchanging data with an OTA or channel manager complicated and unreliable.

Cloud-based systems use standard Internet protocols, readily exchanging data between the PMS, Google, and a channel manager. Staff can access a cloud-based PMS from outside your premises via an Internet connection and secure login.

What about data security?

Once you switch to a cloud-based system, the responsibility for data security rests with your PMS provider and the web service providers.

Most cloud-based PMS operate as SaaS (software as a service), where you pay a monthly subscription, and the responsibility for data security rests with your PMS provider. At Hallisoft, you can choose the SaaS model or pay a one-time fee, and we will install the system on the web hosting that you prefer.

Major web hosting companies have teams employed 24/7 to ensure no data breaches or server downtime. They should also provide a daily backup service to ensure easy restoration of data in the event of an error. If you choose a SaaS model, this includes data security and backups into the system and the price you pay.

What about setup of a cloud-based PMS?

The PMS vendor will take care of the initial installation or setup and provide you with a system that is ready to accept data. You can then configure the system and enter room details, rates and other data whilst you continue to use your on-premise software. When the setup is complete, you can either switch over immediately or run the two systems in parallel to allow staff to familiarize themselves with your new cloud-based PMS.