First thing first! Cloud-based ecommerce platform is not
the same as a hosted solution. Hosted applications are installed on a remote
server and accessible via a VPN (virtual private network). You will need
network infrastructure to run hosted applications. Whereas cloud applications
are web-enabled technologies that require only a server installation and an
Internet-enabled device on the client side.
Various factors need to be considered when determining
the Best ecommerce software between
the two. Cloud and hosted software is evaluated with respect to the following 3
parameters:
Scalability
and Flexibility
When it comes to scalability and flexibility, cloud
ecommerce wins hands down. Hosted applications are more difficult to scale due
to their inherent complexity. In a cloud-based environment, a single version of
the software serves multiple customers. Each customer or organization has its
own secure and exclusive virtual computing environment. As the number of
customers (tenants) increase, you have to simply allocate excess resources,
which would be shared across all customers.
Unlike hosted solutions, a cloud-based model deploys a
uniform hardware environment, which is much easier to scale as its usage
increases. Moreover, as far as its accessibility is concerned, it is extremely
flexible. You can access your cloud ecommerce platform from any
internet-enabled device be it laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Maintenance
From installation to monitoring, to continual
upgradation, you are fully responsible for maintenance related activities in a
hosted environment. It is your job to ensure that the system is running
smoothly. On the other hand, vendor who offer cloud Best ecommerce completely handle the task of maintaining and
managing the system. Also, for a cloud-based model very little infrastructure
is needed on your side.
Cost
In a hosted ecommerce, the server capacity is
specifically allocated for you. The hardware and software is purchased particularly
for your needs. You may either own or rent the server. In either case, the
initial investment is significantly high. Also, the maintenance can get
expensive even if you assign someone else to manage it. On the other hand, cloud
ecommerce is a subscription-based business model in which you pay for their
services on a monthly basis.
0 Comments