Online vs Desktop Ecommerce Solutions
Monday, 10 October 2011 00:00
Over the past few months I have been involved in numerous discussions on the relative pros and cons of online vs desktop ecommerce solutions. In recent years the software landscape has changed considerably as a result of increasing broadband access and connection speeds. So much so, that my company, Actinic Software recently introduced a new online ecommerce system as a complement to the range of desktop solutions. So now that Actinic has fully embraced online ecommerce we can take off the rose-tinted spectacles and offer a completely unbiased view on the advantages of an online ecommerce solution.
Firstly, online software applications run on a central web server which means you can access them from anywhere, as long as you have a PC or smart phone with a web browser and internet access. So you can easily divide your working time between office and home, and even check and update the site when you are on holiday or on a business trip overseas.
They are generally charged on a monthly basis which lowers the start-up costs. There is no capital cost and running costs come out of revenue. There is usually no commitment beyond the monthly period which reduces the overall risk, particularly for start-up and small businesses.
Support is also generally included in the package as standard, rather than being an added-cost option. Running the application on a central server reduces the cost of maintenance and support for the software provider and that saving can be passed on to the user.
With online applications there is no software to install and no complicated system requirements to worry about, so it’s generally faster to get started. There may be new practices to learn initially, but ultimately the package may be easier to use than a Windows-based system, because it has been designed from the ground up to do just one thing, without being tied to very generalised standards. You will also get automatic and immediate access to all the latest developments from your software provider. No need to manually upgrade to the latest software release, it’s all done for you.
Your data will automatically be protected by industry-standard systems and procedures, monitored by specialists who are experts in the field. Your ecommerce software provider is likely to have a far greater level of physical and electronic security than you would be able to provide for yourself.
And last, but by no means least, your site will benefit from the latest ecommerce functionality many of which are essential requirements in today’s ecommerce environment. Features such as dynamic stock management, customer accounts and order tracking combined with up to date reporting and integrations with other online applications such as eBay and Amazon, all working in real-time.
Of course, online ecommerce is not for everyone and will not meet all requirements. The rapid increase in popularity in recent years does demonstrate that online applications have come of age and that there is now a real choice to be made.
Written by Nick Kington, Managing Director of ecommerce supplier, Actinic Online.