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.
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.
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.
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.
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