As a Mumbai business owner, you've probably heard about Tally on Cloud and wondered if it's the right choice for your trading or manufacturing business. With high rents pushing businesses to optimize space and the need for remote access growing every year, understanding your Tally hosting options is more important than ever.
This guide compares Tally on Cloud vs Local Server hosting, breaking down the costs, benefits, and scenarios where each option makes the most sense for Mumbai-based businesses.
Understanding Your Two Options
What is Local Server Hosting?
Local server hosting means your TallyPrime software and data files sit on a computer in your office. This is the traditional approach that most businesses have used since Tally's inception. You own the hardware, control the data, and manage everything yourself (or hire IT support).
What is Tally on Cloud?
Tally on Cloud means your TallyPrime software runs on a remote server hosted by a cloud provider. You access it through the internet using Remote Desktop or a web browser. Your data lives on the cloud server, not on your office computer.
Cost Comparison: 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Let's break down the real costs for a typical Mumbai trading business with 3-5 users:
| Cost Factor | Local Server | Tally on Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Hardware | ₹60,000 - ₹1,00,000 | ₹0 |
| Annual Hosting | ₹0 | ₹30,000 - ₹60,000/year |
| IT Maintenance | ₹10,000 - ₹20,000/year | ₹0 (included) |
| UPS/Power Backup | ₹15,000 - ₹30,000 | ₹0 |
| Hardware Replacement (5 years) | ₹40,000 | ₹0 |
| 5-Year Total | ₹1,65,000 - ₹2,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 - ₹3,00,000 |
The verdict: Costs are comparable over 5 years. The choice depends more on your operational needs than pure cost savings.
When Local Server Makes Sense
Choose local server hosting if:
- Your team works from one office: All users are in the same location in Kalbadevi, Masjid Bunder, or your factory premises.
- You have unreliable internet: Areas with frequent power cuts or poor broadband connectivity.
- High transaction volumes: Data entry speed matters and you can't afford any network lag.
- Existing IT infrastructure: You already have a server and IT team managing it.
- Regulatory requirements: Some industries require data to be stored on-premises.
When Tally on Cloud Makes Sense
Choose Tally on Cloud if:
- You need remote access: Check sales from home, while traveling, or from multiple locations.
- No IT team: You don't want to manage servers, backups, or security updates.
- Branch offices: Multiple locations need to access the same Tally data.
- High real estate costs: Mumbai office space is expensive; reduce server room requirements.
- Business continuity: Cloud providers handle backups, disasters, and uptime guarantees.
Security Comparison
Local Server Security
- You control physical access to the server
- No internet exposure (unless you enable remote access)
- Risk: Staff data theft, hardware failure, fire/flood damage
- Backup responsibility is on you
Tally on Cloud Security
- Enterprise-grade data centers with 24/7 security
- Encrypted connections (SSL/TLS)
- Daily automated backups (often multiple times per day)
- Risk: Dependent on provider's security practices
- Choose ISO-certified providers for peace of mind
Remote Access: The Mumbai Business Reality
Mumbai businesses face unique challenges:
- Long commutes: Business owners spending 2-3 hours daily in traffic want to check reports from home.
- Multiple godowns: Stock in Bhiwandi warehouse, office in Masjid Bunder, home in Andheri.
- Travel requirements: Visiting clients, suppliers, or trade shows while needing Tally access.
Tally on Cloud solves these problems elegantly. You can access your complete Tally data from any device, anywhere, without complex VPN setups.
Mark IT Solutions: Your Cloud Hosting Partner
As a 5-Star Certified Tally Partner, Mark IT Solutions offers both options:
- Local Server Setup: We'll install, configure, and provide AMC for your on-premises Tally server.
- Tally on Cloud: We provide managed cloud hosting with 99.9% uptime, daily backups, and 24/7 support.
- Hybrid Solutions: Local server with cloud backup for businesses that need both.
Not sure which option is right for you? Contact us for a free consultation. We'll assess your business needs and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
