Comparison of online vs. locally installed invoicing software

From the 1980s to the end of the 2000s, management software installed on a personal computer was the only solution for a small business or association to be able to make its invoices, thus making the happiness of Ciel, EBP and other publishers. From the end of the 2000s and the development of the Internet, online software such as alfacybernetics.com appeared with operation in Saas - Service as a software mode.

These new solutions have won over many users.

The program is no longer installed on your PC or Mac, it is hosted on the publisher's server. It is accessed with an internet browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari…. This solution is becoming increasingly popular for its advantages in terms of simplicity, mobility and collaborative work. Let's see why with a review of the pros and cons of each solution.

Online invoicing software

Benefits:

One of the main strengths of SaaS mode billing software for small businesses is that it is installed and runs on a remote server. It is therefore accessible from anywhere, anytime. For example, if you are traveling or on vacation, you can easily access your file, make a quote and send it by email to an impatient customer.

There is no installation, update, backup to do. The editor takes care of these tasks. The question of the rapid updating of programs is appreciable, in particular given the rapid evolution of tax legislation.

Online software is collaborative. Indeed, with these solutions, it is possible to distribute the work between the various stakeholders and to share the data, something impossible with a PC installed at home: one person can take care of the quotes, another of their approval and sending to the client, a third for preparing invoices, and the accountant for validating them.

As the server is hosted by the publisher, there are no longer any issues with file exchange, operating system compatibility or program version. For example, we can work together on the same folder whether we are PC or Mac.

On the budget side, to use an online site, you must take out a subscription, while with conventional software, you must purchase a license. The subscription can generally be canceled at any time. You can take a subscription only for a few months if necessary. The cash outflow is therefore less important with billing software for small businesses.

Finally, when it comes to physical data security, online invoicing software still has the advantage. Data is stored in data centers that are immune to fire, flood and other disasters. The data is also replicated to different servers to allow quick reinstallation in the event of a problem.

The inconvenient:

The use of online software depends on the quality of your connection. If it is too slow or cut off, you can no longer work, which is not the case with installed software. Even though connection speed has improved a lot, there are still places where it is problematic.

Regarding the risk of theft or unauthorized access to data, it is likely that online solutions are more exposed. As the data is no longer physically stored in the company, there is no longer a physical barrier to its theft. The protections are the responsibility of the publisher and the host: firewall, complex passwords, encrypted, encrypted connection, secure code.

Safety is also the responsibility of the user. With the development of teleworking, the use of smartphones, tablets or personal PCs for professional purposes, the risks are increased. The user must therefore set up a strict password policy: periodic renewal, not identical, deletion in the event of an employee's departure, etc.

For more details, please visit: alfacybernetics.com