Understanding Cloud to harness the future of Property Management Software

June 12, 2018

Console Cloud software is the next generation build of the Console products you love, but with the flexibility and mobility that will help transform the way you handle property management in your business. But what does all of this mean….

For many of us, unravelling the meaning behind cloud vs on-premise software (the latter being what we have most been accustomed to) has been something that may have been a headache and quite often placed in the too hard basket.

When it comes to the purchase and installation of new software and technologies, cloud-based property management software options are increasingly entering the fold and it is important for decision makers to not only understand what this means, to consider the benefits of employing this type of software and the power that it has to transform the way their property managers work.

Cloud vs On-Premise Software, what is the difference?

The primary difference between on-premise software and cloud-based software is location. On-premise is installed locally, on an agency’s own computer and server, whereas cloud-based software is hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed through a web browser, such as Google Chrome.

Most agencies are familiar with property management software that is on-premise, familiar too with the added costs and resources required to maintain this type of software. The costs of purchasing and installing servers, network connections, the general upkeep and technology maintenance including upgrades, backups and troubleshooting any issues.

The new alternative, Cloud software is accessible on the internet via an external provider and is so much more than the early idea of ‘filing cabinets and computers in the sky’, the cloud is made up of multiple storage and data networks that seamlessly converge and talk to each other. Cloud software leverages the latest technology to deliver a service with reliability, performance and security that is unrivalled by any on-premise solution.

The benefits to using cloud-based software is that it offers greater stability than an on-premise product, is easy to use and has the predictability of operating costs over time without the outlay of capital expenditure such as servers. Plus, you don’t need to worry about any technical maintenance.

What this means for agencies is that you will always have the latest version of the software, with frequent updates released at any given time, with minimal disruption, effort or expense to the business.

Why now is the time to move to the Cloud….

In the past it may have been a challenging decision for many businesses to put their trust in the cloud, but with a multitude of apps and other cloud software solutions for every part of our lives, Cloud is becoming the norm.

Now whilst many on-premise Property Management software solutions are incredibly powerful and have been a foundation to many agencies. A cloud offering, such as Console Cloud will transform the way you work, giving your Property Managers more flexibility and mobility to manage properties, tenants and owners.

So let’s recap this for you….

Here are the top 5 advantages of Cloud Software

#1. Mobility & Flexibility

By 2020, there will be 4 devices for every human on earth – that’s huge! Because cloud software only requires an internet connection and an internet browser to access it, you have the ability to access your database from anywhere.

The best part about this, is your information is no longer stored on your hard drive (on your physical computer sitting on your desk at the office. It’s online. This means that if you are on site at a property you can access the database in real time. Or if you happen to fall sick, or can’t make it into the office, you can work from your home computer, laptop or mobile device.

With cloud software, there no longer is a need to return to the office and search through filing cabinets and spreadsheets for the information you need, or to access the one computer storing the details of the property in question.

#2. Automated updates

Running server-based system or software updates often requires you to be ‘locked out’ of your database, which can also mean more downtime for your business. When using cloud software, the servers are maintained by the vendor. Regular software and security updates will be deployed instantly with little or no interruption to your operations, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

#3. Security

Your data is more secure in the cloud than on your computer’s hard drive or in your local server. Suppliers have the ability to use a number of highly reputable cyber-security firms to provide security advice and penetration-testing to ensure that the highest levels of security are maintained at all times. Data in the cloud is protected from malicious viruses and attacks, such as crypto-locker, that may affect your local network

#4. Drastically Reduce IT Maintenance Costs

With Cloud, there is no need to operate server-based software that require either an IT contractor or in-house IT team to get involved. Cloud software is maintained by the vendor. So you don’t need that clunky server in the corner of the room anymore, all you need is your device of choice (laptop, desktop, mobile device) and an internet connection – and you’re good to go.

#5. No Limit to Storage Capacity

You don’t have to worry about when you’re going to run out of space. The cloud has endless capacity – as much or as little as you need!

Are you ready for Console Cloud?

Console Cloud is the future of Property Management software and the easiest way to manage your property portfolio in real time. Ready to take the next step in your agency’s transformation?

Don’t have Console Cloud, but would like to know more? Click here for more details

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