Cloud vs on-premise hotel software.
Internet, power, backups, updates, security and cost compared, with a realistic look at properties where the connection is weak.
By the Tivuzo team · Updated
Cloud hotel software runs on the vendor's servers and opens in a browser; on-premise software runs on a server or PC at the property. Cloud wins on backups, updates, access from anywhere and upfront cost, and needs internet for most work. On-premise keeps working without internet but puts servers, backups, security and updates on you. For most independent properties, cloud with restaurant and bar tills that keep selling offline is the better balance.
Side by side
| Cloud | On-premise | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low: a monthly subscription | High: licence, server, installation |
| Internet down | Tills keep selling offline; PMS and back office wait | Keeps working on the local network |
| Power down | Any device with battery and mobile data | Server needs a UPS or generator |
| Backups | Done by the vendor, off site | Your job; often forgotten |
| Updates | Automatic | Paid upgrades, installed by someone |
| Owner away | Numbers on a phone anywhere | Remote access to set up and secure |
| Theft, fire, flood | Data safe elsewhere | Data lost with the server unless backed up off site |
| Several properties | One login for all | A server per property, or a network between them |
What about poor internet?
This is the real question for many lodges, camps and upcountry hotels. Three facts help:
- The busiest screen, the restaurant and bar till, keeps selling offline and syncs later.
- The PMS and back office use little data; a mobile hotspot or satellite link is usually enough.
- A second connection (two mobile networks, or fibre plus mobile) removes most outages for a small monthly cost.
If your property has no internet at all for days at a time, on-premise software may still be the right choice.
Is cloud safe?
A well-run cloud service is usually safer than a PC under the reception desk: data in a professional data centre, encrypted connections, regular off-site backups and staff access controlled by roles. Check that each property gets its own database, that you can export everything, and what happens to your data if you leave. See how Tivuzo protects your data.
Total cost over three years
- Cloud: subscription × months, plus setup and training
- On-premise: licence, server and UPS, installation, yearly maintenance, upgrades, backup media, IT support
- Both: devices at reception and outlets, printers, internet
Cloud vs on-premise questions
Does cloud hotel software work offline?
Partly. In Tivuzo the restaurant and bar tills sell offline; the PMS, stores and accounts need a connection.
What internet speed does a hotel need for cloud software?
Less than people expect. A stable mobile data connection is enough for a small property; a second connection adds resilience.
Can I move from on-premise to cloud?
Yes. Rooms, rates, future bookings, products, suppliers and opening balances move across; see getting started.
Is Tivuzo cloud software?
Yes. It runs in the browser; each property has its own database at its own address. See the hotel software buyer's guide.
Last updated by the Tivuzo team.