Looking for a Cloud system? |
Top Previous Next |
(From Newsletter #48, Feb 2, 2020)
There is a lot of interest in "cloud-based" systems recently, where the system and your data are all "online" and operated through a web browser. We have a lot of customers asking us if we have a cloud version or will be moving to the cloud.
The short answer is "no". But what some may not realize is that Campground Master's Networking function can already provide the most desired features of a cloud system, without the main drawbacks (and in our view there are many reasons that using a cloud-based system for a business-critical application is a very bad idea -- see the list below).
Our Networking through the Internet provides some of the main benefits touted by cloud systems:
•Operate Campground Master remotely through the internet, with live data synchronization -- basically the same as a cloud system.
•Automatic "off-site backup" of your data in case of a disaster, since you have a copy of the data on a separate computer in a different location, updated automatically whenever you connect.
•The ability to operate or monitor multiple parks from a central location, while still keeping the "main" system at each park for critical operations.
There are a few things it won't do, such as using Campground Master on a non-Windows device like your phone, etc (you can use other methods for that, such as Teamviewer or AnyDesk remote access services). However, there are many general advantages of having Campground Master be on your own computers instead of using a cloud-only system:
oAlways Available -- your park office is not dead-in-the-water if your internet goes down, keeping you from handling your customers. Even a remote workstation can keep working offline if needed (with some limitations).
oFAST! -- No delays due to slow internet, browser delays, the kids watching videos, etc.
oInexpensive! -- Since there are no monthly fees, overage fees or per-reservation fees, your long-term costs are much lower than most cloud-based systems.
oNo Contracts -- You won't be "locked in" to any lengthy terms. You buy the license once, and you can use it forever or stop any time.
oPowerful and Flexible! -- No online system has all of the functionality and flexibility of Campground Master, such as electric/gas/water meter billing and history tracking, monthly rent billing, a detailed Audit Trail, work orders, a Point of Sale option with inventory tracking, cash drawer and pole display support, multiple printer support, and so much more -- plus Advanced Customizations to extensively customize your system if needed.
oYou Design It! -- You have full control of the setup. Create your own selection lists, customize fields, configure all of the options, set your rates structure, and tweak reports. And of course you can make changes or expand your park any time without needing to go through support or wait for us to do it.
o You Own Your Data -- Your critical data is not located "somewhere out there". It's secure on your computers, and only on your computers. You can't lose your data due to some other company mis-handling it or going out of business, and you won't lose access to it even if you decide to change reservation systems.
oYou Control Updates -- Cloud systems are constantly changing their look and operation, so you have to keep getting used to a new system (and you have no choice). With Campground Master, we don't keep changing the way it looks or operates. And even if we do some day, you don't have to install the new version if you don't want to.
For more information, refer to the web site's information page:
https://campgroundmaster.com/networking.html