Forum Moderators: buckworks
I was just wondering on what everyone thinks is better, either a 100% web-based website/backend or a website that uses a software based backend?
What I mean by this is I have a website, but then I import information using a software based application to handle order processing, customer service emails, payment processing, product inventory/information, etc...
Or would a 100% web-based application that handles order processing, customer service emails, payment processing, product inventory/information, etc... froma website backend be a better system?
What do you guys think big websites like amazon, buy, overstock, etc.. use; 100% web-based or software/website based?
Thank you,
olimits7
I went with 90% in the e-commerce system and then an accounting system to manage the finance in conjunction. (there is basic account/gl in the system but not feature rich for reporting)
So all your inventory, product information (adds/deletes/edit), order processsing (pick/packing orders, printing packing slips, closing orders), and return processing (RMAs) is controlled by your website?
I read somewhere that a lot of these big websites are now fully website based; since bandwidth has increased so much over the years it makes sense to use this method now.
In my opinion, I think I still like having a software based application running at my local server location and syncing my website and appliction. I feel it's more secure then having a fully integrated website frontend, backend, and order management system.
Thank you,
olimits7
So all your inventory, product information (adds/deletes/edit), order processsing (pick/packing orders, printing packing slips, closing orders), and return processing (RMAs) is controlled by your website?
I would consider our system to be a "platform" vs a "Website" but in the simplest form it is indeed all done through the website. The reality is the website is a commerce platform that handles all of the above and provides robust interfaces for managing the entire process from procurement to shipping.
In my opinion, I think I still like having a software based application running at my local server location and syncing my website and appliction. I feel it's more secure then having a fully integrated website frontend, backend, and order management system.
I find just the opposite true. Its much easier for me to maintain a single system than one that is a hodge-podge of disparate systems.
A web-based system allows you to manage your business from any location, without being tied to a particular PC or a local network. You don't have to worry about patches and upgrades, because they are done for you at the server end. And you usually pay monthly, so the up-front investment is lower and you spread the cost over time. They may be easier to use, but more restricted in the functionality they offer.
OTOH a software package gives you ownership of your business data - with an online system it is all held on someone else's server. You pay once and it's yours, so the total cost of ownership can be lower. Packages have been around longer, so they tend to have more features than the online equivalent, but may be harder to use. If you do need to exchange data with other applications, it's often easier with a software package, especially if it supports dynamic data linking.
Its much easier to do on an integrated platform.
Data ownership is moot, you can copy/save/backup data regardless of where your application is.
You could also install the "web-based" backend system on an internal in-house server either on IIS or Apache and run it over a LAN, too. And if you use a hosting company for your frontend website connect that way to your database and sync with your "web-based" backend system.
I can't afford to host my own webserver as of now, but my optimal setup would be to host my own webserver (frontend, backend, cms, order processing, inventory, etc...) and have a centralized database location for all activity. And develop and use a "web-based" application that will allow certain functions to only run under the LAN (ex. order processing - pick/pack) and other functions that can be accessed over the internet (customer service).
