Software as a Service
With GallerySoft, we are offering Software as a Service. The concept is also sometimes called Cloud Computing. What all of these words really mean is that instead of having the program installed on your computer (Desktop) it is installed in our Server and you access our Server over the Internet. In operation, it looks and feels just like it is installed on your computer.
Microsoft, Google and many other software companies are now offering this type service - why?
- The upfront cost is low since you don't need to buy the software.
- In a multi-user environment you don't need a Server. (Each user accesses the data on our Server.)
- You always have the latest build of the software without needing to download and install it.
- We can fix your data for you very easily since we can access it on our Server.
- Backups are done several times per day to prevent possible data loss.
- You can access your data from anywhere you have access to the Internet.
- Real-time support is available since we can log-on to your session to help you.
- You can run GallerySoft on a PC, Mac or iPad without purchasing additional program versions.
Cost Comparison
The objection we hear most frequently is "I don't want to have a monthly payment.". You pay for your Internet site on a monthly basis and it is actually Software as a Service. You don't think of it this way because it has always been this way from the beginning of the Internet!
The following table illustrates the cost of Desktop Software vs. Software as a Service. It is based on a typical galleries needs with two users assumed.
| Item | GallerySoft | Competitor 1 | Competitor 2 |
| Software Type | Software as a Service | Desktop | Desktop |
| Monthly Payment (2 users)1 | $130 | $274 | $125 |
| Monthly Support Cost | Included | $32 after 1st year | $50 est. (pay as you go) |
| Additional gallery locations | No additional charge | $1,500 each additional location | Not stated |
| Total Monthly Cost | $130 | $274 | $175 |
1. For Desktop software, monthly equivalent is determined by dividing the purchase price by 12 months.
Decision Paralysis
There are a number of good integrated gallery programs available both as a desktop and software as a Service. We are seeing many galleries studying and comparing what is available for extended periods and not making a decision. Don't let yourself get caught in this trap.