Installed (desktop) dealer software keeps data on your own computer, usually has a one-time or low recurring cost and works through outages, but you manage backups and access from elsewhere is limited. Cloud (web-based) software keeps data with the vendor, charges recurring fees, works from any device with internet and is maintained by the vendor.
Side by side
| Installed (desktop) | Cloud (web-based) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where data lives | On your computer | On the vendor's servers |
| Typical cost model | One-time purchase, sometimes with optional yearly updates | Monthly or annual subscription, often per user |
| Works without internet | Yes, apart from online features | No |
| Access from other places | Limited; depends on setup | Any device with a browser |
| Updates | You install them | Applied by the vendor |
| Backups | Your responsibility | Usually the vendor's |
| Control over your data | High | Depends on the vendor's terms |
| Multi-location | Harder | Easier |
Questions to ask yourself
- How many people and locations need access, and from where?
- How would a day without internet affect the lot?
- Who will do backups and keep the computer secure?
- What does it cost over three and five years, not just this month?
- Can you take your data with you if you stop using it?
Things to consider
Neither is better in every case. A single-location lot with one office computer and patchy internet may prefer installed software; a group with several locations and remote managers may prefer a hosted system. Dealer Garage is installed software; its Pro plan lets several computers in one office share the data.
Questions to put to any vendor
- Can I export all of my data in a standard format?
- What happens to my access if I stop paying?
- What does support cost, and when are they available?
- Where is customer data stored, and who can see it?
Questions people ask
Can desktop software be used by several people?
Some can. Dealer Garage Pro connects other computers in the office to the main one.
General comparison. Features and prices differ between products; check each vendor's current terms.
Try Dealer Garage
Dealer Garage is installable dealer management software for independent used-car dealers in the US and Canada: inventory, leads, deals, dealer paperwork, Facebook Marketplace posting and email campaigns, with records stored on the dealership's own computer..