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The hospitality industry is ever evolving, replacing the manual management with various automated software technology is one of the most predominant change in the market. Particularly, for efficient property management,the developing technology has contributed two types of hotel management solutions. The foremost is the widely accepted and locally installed desktop based hotel management solution, while the other explores the power of SaaS and cloud computing and is a web based PMS. Thus, hoteliers are no longer bound to one type of management system, they are given an opportunity to analyze their own requirements and select the most appropriate for their property.
Even though, both solutions have demonstrated their efficiency and benefits, not all of them are right for all hotel type and choosing the most beneficial PMS for the business can be a daunting task. To aid hoteliers select the accurate software, eZee has researched few foremost requirements from hotel point of view to explore the pros and cons of both server based and online property management software.
Maintenance and specific requirements
A desktop PMS requires a comprehensive and detailed infrastructure in terms of technological requirements like spectacular hardware, local servers and different license for each hardware. However, a legacy PMS is not dependent of internet connection and can be very useful in remote areas with low connectivity.
One of the greatest advantage of an online PMS is that it requires no special installation or downloads. All it requires is a browser and a favorable internet connection. As a cloud PMS can be accessed from anywhere, hoteliers can run the front-desk functions even during power cut of with help of a laptop, tablet or even a smart phone. Moreover, as all the functions are run on cloud the software needs no specific hardware or even an IT personnel for maintenance.
Easy accessibility- any time, any where
A legacy system has the advantage of being locally installed and doesn’t rely on remote server, thus all functions are robust even during downtime. Correspondingly, it ties the user to a particular machine and shuts down completely during electricity cut off.
As discussed earlier a web based hotel management system requires no special downloads and can be accessed any time and any where, using any type of device be it desktop, tablet or mobile. As a result, you can use from remote location while traveling or in case of multiple properties, where you can retract reports and other data of any of your properties sitting far away.
Favorable financial estimate
Majority of installed front-desk system a very heavy number of detailed and complex features making the solution significantly more expensive than a cloud solution. Moreover, the periodic maintenance, upgrades and requirement of IT staff members can further increase the expenses.
A cloud PMS offers a significant reduction in capital investment, mainly due to its low costing technology and subscription based pricing strategy. Adding to the advantage, majority of online hotel systems are robust and require no download, no installation, no service and not even an IT personnel. However in the long run, the cost sometimes can be either equivalent or more when compare to the cost of a legacy system.
Feasibility and proficiency
A desktop PMS is incredibly complex and exceptionally detailed, offering a myriad of integrated third party solutions. It is always available due to local installation, and can effortlessly manage any type of property including full service hotels.
Alternatively, online property management solutions are easily up-gradable and are up to date with the latest market trends. As a result, they integrate effortlessly with variety of other solutions like a channel manager and booking engines leading to an enhanced online exposure.
When it comes to choosing the correct PMS for your hotel, it all depends on type of operations you run. Cloud technology has come a long way in automating various time consuming manual tasks. The introduction of this revolutionary technology transformed the face of hotel management and a lot of properties are migrating from a legacy PMS to cloud PMS. If you own a small, independent hotel or a small B&B; a cloud hotel software should be perfect for you. Nevertheless, if your property is large and requires more detailed functions, the complex yet sophisticated technological infrastructure of the locally installed hotel management solution is a tried and tested way to go as well.