Cloud, or web-based software, offers numerous advantages to rental businesses, including sharing and viewing real-time data from any location. It makes working as a synchronised team far easier and more accessible. Transitioning to the cloud is an effective way to keep your rental business up to date and competitive.
Choosing between hosting your software servers or opting for a Cloud solution are important factors when considering a new rental solution. Here are some points to bear in mind when making this important decision:
Cost control
With a monthly 'pay as you go' subscription, you can control costs more effectively by avoiding initial server costs and future upgrade and maintenance costs. With a monthly cloud subscription, you can access an experienced technical services team, saving you from investing in extra internal IT support.
Once your on-premise server's limitations have been reached, you will need to reinvest in server replacements every few years. On the other hand, the cloud is quick to deploy and easily scalable when required and is not limited by server size or hardware investments.
Peace of mind
With an on-premise solution, you are responsible for managing any software upgrades and licences and antivirus software maintenance. You'll also need to ensure daily data back-ups are taken and stored off-site. On the other hand, your Cloud-based server will be updated regularly with the latest security patches, protecting your business from malware and ransomware and giving you better peace of mind.
If you choose to host your servers and software internally, you would need to make sure you have an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) and robust platforms to safeguard server availability and prevent downtime. In contrast, data stored in the cloud will be in a secure, alarmed and climate-controlled room with a backup stored offsite in a safe second location. On-premise software servers would need their own secure, air-conditioned space to prevent them from overheating and to minimise the risk of failure.
Anywhere, anytime access
With a cloud-hosted rental software setup, you can access your hire data anytime, anywhere. If you can do business on the go without being tied to your office location, you can provide better customer service and grow your business.
Weighing up the pros and cons of how to host your rental management solution is essential when it comes to making big decisions like switching to a new software provider. If you want to discuss your requirements in further detail and get advice from MCS product specialists, contact the MCS team, and we'll be happy to help guide you to the perfect fit for your rental operation.