Thinking about using a sports software to better manage your sports/recreation program? Before you make a decision, you should know the differences between cloud-based sports software and installed sports software. If you make the wrong choice, you can pay a hefty penalty in terms of time, headaches and of course, money.
The word “cloud” has been getting thrown around a lot these days. It seems to be a popular choice for software in many industries. But what does it mean in non-technical terms? And how does it apply to sports software and you?
In short, cloud software does not require installation or downloads. You can access it online at any time. Your data is saved and protected online. Installed software is just the opposite. You have to download and install the software onto specific computers. You can only access the software on those computers, and you are responsible for backing up, saving and protecting all your valuable data. For example, “gmail” works in the cloud.
In today’s internet-connected world, cloud software is the clear choice. Since cloud software is a relatively new thing however, most people don’t know much about it. The good news is that it is much simpler than you may think. Here are the main advantages you will gain from using a cloud-based sports software as opposed to an installed software:
1.) PRICE. Cloud software is drastically cheaper than installed software because it costs less money for companies to build and distribute. Don’t be fooled by price! Just because an installed software is expensive, it does not mean it is better than a cloud software. Installed software is only more expensive because the companies that build it have higher bills to pay due to heavy production and distribution costs. They turn to you to pay those bills. Since cloud-software is less expensive to manage for companies, it is often very cheap and sometimes even free for users (ex: free sports software).
2.) TIME. Cloud software requires no installation or download (think CD-Roms or slow moving download bars). You can access it online at any time. For example, you can get to gmail instantly on any computer by visiting gmail.com. Installed software is far from instant. In addition, it often requires long phone calls with company reps about things like configuration (ughhh).
3.) UPGRADES. When cloud software gets upgraded by the company that makes it, you will instantly have access to the upgrades. Your software automatically gets updated through the web. When installed software gets updated however, you are often required to jump through hoops in order to get the upgrades (more downloads, new CD-Roms in the mail, more phone calls, etc). Not to mention, you may even be asked to get out your check book and pay to have access to these upgrades.
4.) SECURITY. With cloud software, your data is kept safe and secure by the company that provides it. Most importantly, it is backed up online. With installed software, saving data is up to you and the computer you installed the software on. If your computer crashes or breaks, you are completely out of luck.
Not to mention, since cloud software runs on the web, by using it, you will have access to all of the advantages of running a sports and recreation program online. 중계