Cloud vs. Software Based

[hageyes]

We are trying to decide between Cloud based version and the Software based version. We only have one location. The cost up front seems to be a little more for software based. The nice thing about the cloud is it includes any updates to the system automatically. We like to hear back on what everyone's experience is regarding which version to go with. We realize over the long run the cloud version is going to cost more, but we want to know why that would be worth it.

[erica]

I'm not a cloud user but on the other end in tech support. I would say that unless you have multi-location and you need to share the database or for some reason absolutely need to be on the cloud (office full of Apple computers etc...), go with the server version.
If you have any internet issues, you will not be able to access Crystal. Set up of printers, scanners etc. is much easier on server based as well.
Updating takes less than 5 minutes. You would be responsible for backing up your database of course, but we can always go over that with you in support

[charliedesmond]

So I deal with offices with both server based and cloud based PM (Crystal)

As has been pointed out, if you have an IT person who does your file management and basic IT stuff, backups etc. you may be better off with the server version. The big issue/decision for you may be MU/PQRS/Hipaa type compliance requirements - way too involved to get into here but there are some benefits to the cloud when it comes to these. Unless your office is more remote there is probably no benefit like power loss prevention (backup power). Hope this helps

[charliedesmond]

I should ad - for those still contemplating - The bandwidth needed to run the cloud version is a bit more than your average office use (depends on the number and type of users)- especially if you have a VOIP phone system. You might be just fine on 5Megs before switching to cloud and find out you need 10Megs after to keep things stable with no lag or dropout. I guess that is the benefit to server based systems (as well as what is mentioned above).

Also. you may find that printing and file sharing is much simpler on a server based system than in the cloud where the Terminal Server setup is needed to be able to file share and print etc. This is a constant ache for some cloud users but like anything - once you know the workarounds it is easier to deal with.

[stevemcd]

I purchased a small office that uses Cloud based Crystal PM and I'm considering switching to in office server based system. The main reasons for the switch would hopefully be increased networking speed, easier printer/scanner integration, and decreased cost over time. The office wasn't wired/networked for ethernet at most work stations so workstations would be connected to server wireless via wifi. There are 5 workstations in a 1900 sqft space and we have VOIP.

1) Knowing the setup described above, does it seem feasible/beneficial to switch to in house server?
2) If so any recommendations for server configuration?
3) Would the server need Windows Pro installed or Windows Server?

Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions.

[Kraig]

Apr 2, 2018 11:01:28 GMT -6 stevemcd said:

I purchased a small office that uses Cloud based Crystal PM and I'm considering switching to in office server based system. The main reasons for the switch would hopefully be increased networking speed, easier printer/scanner integration, and decreased cost over time. The office wasn't wired/networked for ethernet at most work stations so workstations would be connected to server wireless via wifi. There are 5 workstations in a 1900 sqft space and we have VOIP.

1) Knowing the setup described above, does it seem feasible/beneficial to switch to in house server?
2) If so any recommendations for server configuration?
3) Would the server need Windows Pro installed or Windows Server?

Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions.

I almost always recommend an in-house server for single practice locations. 

You can find system requirements for a new server here: www.crystalpm.com/wp-content/uploads/utilities/System%20Requirements.pdf

For a setup with 5 client computers, you should be able to purchase a new server at your local Best Buy for under $1k. 

The only area you must pay close attention to when hosting your own server is your backups. You will need a local nightly backup set up to an external hard drive that we can help configure. You will also need an online backup using a 3rd party service such as Carbonite or DataHealth.