Hosted versus non-hosted solutions


For those buying new software for businesses these days there is a decision to make about whether to choose a hosted or a non-hosted solution.

The panel management software market is largely populated by hosted solutions with many active users. The hosted option can be an attractive solution having no hardware and software installed giving a maintenance free environment.

However there are times when a hosted solution is not the best option and it is important to consider the benefits that can be obtained from an installed package. Some of the points for consideration when making this decision are outlined below.

Long term cost

It is important to think of the long term cost. Pricing for hosted solutions are always presented with a minimum figure per month, but when you use software actively the cost can increase dramatically. Sometimes the initial cost of buying software can pay off in the long term, having an asset that can be used freely without incurring extra charge.

Security

There is always a security risk in using hosted solutions. If the online panel is your core business it may be preferable to maintain it behind your own firewall.
Use the sampling facility for CATI etc as well
If you are holding data for an online panel, you may also be operating a telephone panel as well. If so, why not keep all the data in the same place? Then you can have a single tool for sampling from the database for both research methods.

Customising the software

There are many more opportunities for customisation of panel management software if you have an installed solution on your own servers. If you don’t have it in house the options will be more limited.

Integration with other systems

It is often important to be able to move data between different systems each doing a particular job for your business. Automated links are normally not practical with hosted solutions. With an installed solution it is possible to build automatic links between systems so that you can use best of breed software packages and get them working together rather than compromising with the strengths and weaknesses of a “one size fits all” package.

Sampling tool

Most panel management solutions have very little in the way of a sampling tool. For on-going panel work it is essential to be able to select lists by many criteria including their demographic data and their previous panel activity. This major omission prevents panels being managed effectively and feeds a culture of blasting as many panellists as possible in the hope of getting enough responses to satisfy the research. Careful selection and targeting will improve response rates and panellist retention.

Speed

Speed is often an issue with an online panel facility. Many Europeans have to confine their panel work to morning hours because when the USA gets going operating the connection speed to a hosted panel is too slow. With an installed solution the speed is under your control.

All these considerations should be taken into account when choosing whether to take a hosted or an installed panel management solution. For more information about MARSC, an installed sampling and panel management tool please contact sales@marsc.com or visit the web site www.marsc.com.