Web-based SMCP - What Does It Mean For Your Business?

Post date: Jul 06, 2011 2:11:42 PM

Since 2008, we have been methodically moving all of the older, Windows-based Service Manager program to a completely web-based (often called 'Cloud') model, which we call the Service Manager Control Panel.  There are several advantages in this for us, in terms of maintenance, reliability, and flexibility.  But the other very good reason for doing this is because it makes our program much more attractive and has dramatic potential to reduce maintenance for the companies that use it, too.

This move should allow you to begin considering some cost and resource cutting moves for your own in-house computer system (it's also a good time to rethink your dependency on programs that require expensive and finicky Windows servers: if you're using Outlook, for example, consider using an online email system like GMail, which is much less expensive, doesn't need backups, is more secure, and can easily be accessed from any kind of device.)

First, the new program will no longer require Windows at all.  So if you are using terminal servers to get all of your people in Service Manager, you won't need them for the Service Manager Control Panel.  You might still use them for Outlook, or any remaining Windows-only programs - but if you have people who only need SMCP and web-based email, for example, you can move them out of the Terminal Servers and begin cutting costs on maintaining those - possibly reducing the number (and associated costs!) of Windows Terminal Servers.  

Second, the new program works with ANY web-enabled device, so people can work in SMCP through computers as always - but also through iPads, Android tablets, Google Chrome laptops, Apple or Linux computers, smartphones, and so on.  This should further 'untie' you from desktop or laptop computers for every use of your system, and also allow you to shop equipment from a wider range of options.  Again, over time, you can start to think about reducing your overall IT costs.

Third, it only needs a web browser, so hardware requirements are really minimal.  For the most part, a computer that is several years old will work just as well as a newer one with more capacity - because all the processing happens on the server and only very lightweight 'web screens' are handled by the computer itself.  So you should be able to keep your machines much longer and use less powerful computers to do the same job.

Finally, because it's a simple web-based protocol, you can work in the system from remote offices and devices with no special network setups or remote connection software.  And because it's purposely designed with an absolute minimum of ornamentation, it runs very well over a relatively slow connection.

It will still require a database and web server program to be run somewhere, but although these CAN be Windows-based, they can also be Linux-based (Linux is essentially free Unix).  If you decide in the near future that you want someone else to host your system, you'll have, again, many more options, because nothing in the SMCP design requires it to sit in your office.

Please contact us if you want some suggestions about systematically trimming down the cost and liability of your overall system maintenance.