SmartAdvocate - Self-hosted vs Cloud

	Self Hosting	SmartAdvocate Cloud

	Self Hosting	SmartAdvocate Cloud
Overall Summary	Higher startup costs, but less expensive in the long run especially for firms with a large number of users. Requires IT support on occasion. Allows for more control over your data. Allows for more and easier customizations and integrations.	Lower startup costs, but higher overall long term cost. No need to maintain your own hardware (except for workstations). More predictable costs.
Hardware Cost	Buy and maintain your server. Higher upfront cost, but generally less expensive in the long run. You can also rent a server from one of the cloud hosting providers.	SmartAdvocate maintains shared hardware for all Cloud clients. No separate hardware cost except if dedicated cloud server required by client.
SmartAdvocate Software Cost	Lower per-user, monthly subscription fees which can be paid annually for a reduction in cost.	Higher per-user, monthly subscription fees which can be paid annually for a reduction in cost.
Third party Server Software Cost	Need to purchase and maintain prerequisite software. Microsoft Windows and Microsoft SQL. Higher upfront cost, but will be less expensive in the long run.	Cost of running Microsoft Windows and Microsoft SQL in SA Cloud is included as part of the per user/per monthly subscription fee.
SmartAdvocate Network Performance	Optimal. If the server in your office so the distance between workstation and server is minimal. If you have multiple offices, it will depend on the network speed between offices. It should be similar to the Cloud performance.	It will depend on your internet connection speed. Generally, it will be slightly slower than when the server is in your office.
Back-ups	Have to be handled by you or your IT department. On the plus side, you have full control over frequency, location, and number of back-up destinations.	Handled by SmartAdvocate and included as part of the per-user monthly subscription fee.
System Availability	The server can be accessed locally even if your office loses internet connectivity (If server is in your office).	An active internet connection is required.
Version Control	Upgrades are scheduled by SmartAdvocate with your IT department.	Upgrades are done by SmartAdvocate for all Cloud customers at the same time. Client's IT does not need to be involved. Advanced notice is given ahead of the upgrade.
Custom Integration with Local/Desktop 3rd Party Software	Easily achievable (may require VPN).	Might not be achievable or achievable at higher cost.
Integrations with Cloud-Based 3rd Party Software	Possible	Possible
SmartAdvocate Barcode Document Scanning	The scanner will scan documents into a network folder. SmartAdvocate then takes the document from the folder and attaches it to the appropriate case with document management coding.	The scanner will have to upload scanned documents via secure ftp. Clients scanner must have ftp capability.
SmartAdvocate Mobile App	Available	Available
SmartAdvocate Client Portal	Available	Available
Firm Specific Software Customizations	Possible	Possible with some limitations.