People used to install software on their computers But that’s changing People are switching to the Cloud So they use online software You’re expected to know about the basic concepts And the advantages & disadvantages for people and businesses…
Standalone software is installed on your computer, from a CD or downloaded Key advantage It’s on your hard-drive so runs fast & doesn’t need the Internet Standalone software = Installed software
Online software is accessed over the Internet via your web browser
Online software is accessed over the Internet via your web browser = Cloud software Key advantage Can access software on all devices eg PC, tablet & mobile
Standalone software = Installed software Traditional way of working Online software = Cloud software Becoming more and more common
Online Software - Advantages Back-Up & Restore Having a back-up online means a copy of your files are stored on web servers So you can restore the files if there’s a problem.
Online Software - Advantages Automatic Updates Getting an upgrade used to mean waiting to get a new CD But online software is updated automatically No waiting!
Online Software - Advantages Pay Monthly You don’t need to pay a full price for a software product on a CD. Instead, you can pay monthy so the software is more affordable.
Online Software - Advantages Save on Hardware A business doesn’t need to buy its own servers because the software & files will be stored online So this saves the business money
Online Software - Disadvantages Reliability If your online software service is unavailable, you can’t access your files And remember that even the most ‘reliable’ services do crash!
Online Software - Disadvantages Reliability
Online Software - Disadvantages Security Your online service could be at risk from hackers wanting to access files And remember that even the most ‘secure’ services have been hacked!
Online Software - Disadvantages Security
Let’s now see online software in action by using Office 365…