 - Small: The smaller companies (typically single offices) have the greatest choice as the smaller windows based applications may be adequate for their needs. There are many products that focus specifically on this market segment so they are more likely to get a product that more exactly matches their needs. Windows based products are well tested and you can expect high levels of functionality but will require a higher level of support than web-based products. They will also need to consider the issue of upgrades and data back-ups with windows products. Fundamentally a decision needs to be made on whether they wish to go with windows based software or web based software and more information can be found on this below.
- Medium/Large: Choice for larger organisations is more limited if they want an effective solution. As soon as you start to have multiple sites, there are two key considerations:
- How to manage the collation of data across the organisation: And it is web-based products that provide a far superior solution compared to Windows based products which typically offer a replication process. This often results in duplicated data and is the most commonly stated reason for agents to upgrade their software to web-based products.
- The cost and complexity of IT maintenance and support. Producers of software will offer differing solutions so you need to look into what is provided within the package.
- Scalability issues: Economic climates change but you will need to consider how your IT solutions will support those changes. In economic downturns, companies that rent software based on the number of users can support a reduction in overheads if headcount reduces. Similarly, in boom times, a growth in business should be supported by the IT’s ability to grow too. This may be hindered by Windows based applications, whereas web-based applications are typically fully scalable. A further consideration is mergers and acquisitions. For this increasingly more common business scenario, ask vendors how they could support the integration of data into their database.
- Database considerations: There are two types of databases; desktop level and enterprise level. This criterion should be a significant part of your decision and is dealt with in more depth below.
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