Office Server vs Hosted Server vs Cloud

	Server in your Office	Server in a Data Center	SmartAdvocate Cloud

	Server in your Office	Server in a Data Center	SmartAdvocate Cloud
Overall Summary	Higher startup costs, but less expensive in the long run especially for firms with large number of users. Requires IT support on occasion. Allows for more control over your data. Allows for more and easier customizations and integrations.	Middle ground where hardware initial cost and maintenance is handled by 3rd party hosting provider. In other respects similar to maintaining a server in your office.	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.	Rent the server from the hosting provider. Lower upfront cost, but higher ongoing cost.	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.	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.	Third party software can be rented from the hosting provider. Lower upfront cost, but higher ongoing cost.	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. The server is 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. Performance from remote office 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.	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 a plus side you have full control over frequency, location and number of back-up destinations.	Can be handled by your IT or by hosting provider.	Handled by SmartAdvocate. Included as part of the per user monthly subscription fee.
System Availability	Server can be accessed locally even if your office loses internet connectivity.	Active internet connection is required.	Active internet connection is required.
Version Control	Upgrades are scheduled by SmartAdvocate with your IT department.	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 not involved. Advanced notice is given ahead of the upgrade.
Custom Integration with Desktop 3rd Party Software	Easily achievable.	Can require VPN to your hosted server.	Might not be achievable or achievable at higher cost..
Integrations with Cloud-based 3rd Party Software	Possible	Possible	Possible
SmartAdvocate Barcode Scanning	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.	Printers can place scanned documents into a network share (requires VPN) or upload via secure ftp.	Scanner will have to upload scanned documents via secure ftp. Clients scanner must have ftp capability.
SmartAdvocate Mobile App	Available	Available	Available
SmartAdvocate Client Portal	Available	Available	Available
Firm Specific Software Customizations	Possible	Possible	Possible with some limitations