Cloud-based vs installed salon software
Cloud-based (online) salon software is now the standard choice for most salons. You access it through a web browser, it updates automatically, and your data is backed up offsite. Installed software (on your computer only) is becoming rare and brings limitations that most modern salons find unworkable.
What's the difference?
Cloud-based (online) software
Access through any web browser, data stored securely on remote servers, works from any device with internet, updates happen automatically, and subscription pricing (monthly).
Installed (local) software
Installed on a specific computer, data stored on that computer only, only works from that machine, manual updates required, and often one-time purchase (with optional support fees).
Why cloud has become standard
Access from anywhere
Check your schedule from home, manage bookings from your phone, or update appointments from your tablet at the chair. With installed software, you're tied to one computer.
Automatic backups
Cloud providers back up your data continuously. If your computer breaks, you don't lose years of client history. With installed software, you're responsible for backups—and most people don't do them reliably.
Always up to date
Cloud software updates automatically. You always have the latest features and security patches. Installed software requires manual updates that are easy to neglect.
No server management
You don't need technical knowledge to run cloud software. Someone else handles the servers, security, and infrastructure.
Online booking compatibility
Modern online booking requires cloud infrastructure. Installed software can't easily accept bookings when your computer is off.
When installed might still make sense
Rare scenarios where installed software has advantages:
Truly unreliable internet
If your location has constant internet outages (not occasional drops, but genuine unreliability), installed software works offline. But most areas have reliable enough connectivity now.
Extreme privacy requirements
Some medical practices with strict data sovereignty requirements might prefer on-premises data. Most salons don't have these constraints.
One-time cost preference
If you want to pay once and never again, some installed software offers this. But you usually miss out on updates and new features.
The practical reality
For most salons in 2026:
- Internet is reliable enough that cloud concerns are minimal
- The flexibility of access from anywhere is invaluable
- Automatic backups provide peace of mind
- Online booking requires cloud capability anyway
- Modern cloud software is affordable (often less than you'd think)
Making the choice
Unless you have specific constraints that require installed software, cloud-based is the sensible default. The benefits of accessibility, automatic updates, and backups outweigh the minor dependency on internet connectivity.
If you're currently using installed software and considering switching, most cloud providers can help migrate your data.
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