If any one of the stores loses an internet connection it can begin to cause problems across the chain, whereas with a localised version you can run a Virtual Private network among the branches. If the Cloud service itself goes down, like the case with Sony’s services or the Apple leaks in 2014, then not only can data and information be lost but you’re business will be unable to function and has to wait while the cloud provider picks up the pieces (without knowing how long that will take!)
Cloud EPOS also means you are not in control of the data whereas if its an in-house solution you know exactly where its going, coming from and what its for. You won’t have as firm a grip on your security, as anyone with an internet connection, an unscrupulous third party employee or just a crack in the system can mean you find yourself losing critical and often times confidential data.
Inhouse EPOS systems also have the advantage of being built around you, rather than with Cloud you need to work around them. This could mean a relatively attractive offer in terms of price might not be that great if you find that the provider needs a certain version of software or new machines to be installed often. Many have already stopped supporting the earlier iPad and finding one that will support Windows XP and vista is nearly impossible, even windows 7 is being slowly phased out for 8, 8.1 and the upcoming Windows 10. This of course can mean more training and frequent installations of new hardware.
If you need help setting up, or even after this and are just looking for support you can often find yourself begin shuffled around for help speaking to a different person each time, if it’s an ongoing issue then you may find yourself explaining your situation over and over and explaining any work that’s already being done just to get to the start of the new/ongoing issue. To cut overheads many IT and Cloud firms even outsource their support centers bringing in another 3rd party company to the mix.
About Opus Retail Solutions
Opus Retail Solutions specialise in providing Retail, Wholesale, & Integrated e-Commerce Solutions through its Software suite Opus Retail Manager. The entire EPOS operation is managed from Opus’s Headquarters in Belfast, Northern Ireland, along with regional development and support offices in the UK. Opus has been developing software for over 30 years and was one of the first Windows based EPOS systems in 1997. Opus Retail Manager is hardware independent and we offer hardware depending on client requirements, policy or budget.
The key to Opus’s success lies with its ongoing investment in Research and Development and Training to keep our Software products and services and staff world class. Services range from specifying client requirements to providing custom modifications, system implementation, training with a special emphasis on after-sales support so our customers can get the most from their system. The Company invests c £100k pa in R&D to ensure it’s software remains world-class.
The entire Opus operation is managed from Opus’s Headquarters in Belfast, Northern Ireland, along with regional development and support offices in the UK and Russia. Opus has partners all over the world and currently ships the software in five languages. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a partnership.
Although our Retail Manager Software and services procedures have evolved over the years from DOS through Windows enabling us to stay ahead of the curve, our core objective is still to provide innovative, best in breed, easy to use and robust EPoS solutions, no matter what the industry, the size or the individual need
