Are you lost in the clouds or confused by server addresses? Unsure which interface belongs to which software variant, or do these IT terms mean nothing to you? If you answered yes, we have prepared a simple article to help you navigate these concepts and choose the right system variant that suits your needs.
First, we will explain the application interface and its relationship to the Flexi installation variant. Then we will cover the individual installation variants along with the advantages and disadvantages of the cloud option, the self-hosted server option, and the local installation.
Application Interface
Web interface and desktop interface — which one do I have available and which should I choose for working with the system? The answer here is simple: The interface is independent of the Flexi installation variant. From this perspective, it does not matter which installation variant you use — whether our cloud, your own server, or a local installation. In all variants, both the web interface and the client application are available to you.
The application interface is independent of the installation — you always have access to your data via the web interface and the desktop application.
The installation differs only in the server address you connect to, but all of these addresses are accessible both in the application and in a web browser:
Cloud address:
https://demo.flexibee.eu/ (or similarly your-company.flexibee.eu)
(TIP: Try adding our DEMO to the desktop application — username and password = winstrom)
Your server address:
a chosen IP address on your network or a server name and port assigned by your IT administrator — for example http://server.firma.cz:434/ (or for example http://109.240.60.105:123/)
Local installation address:
always on your personal computer http://127.0.0.1:5434/ (or equivalently http://localhost:5434/)
Which interface should I choose?
The main difference lies primarily in how each interface is used. The web interface is not a full replacement for the desktop application — it is a complement to it. It does not offer some advanced features, it is not possible to configure general settings such as document series, and it does not include the Employees module. However, you will find features such as an overview of access logs and currently logged-in users — demo.flexibee.eu:5434/status/session
Use of the client application:
The desktop application provides access to all system features and is designed for full, day-to-day work with the software.
Use of the web interface:
A quick look at your data, rapid invoice creation, and access from anywhere — including on a mobile device. These are the reasons to use the web interface, for example for a traveling sales representative. If you only need to review data while on the go or perform a simple operation, the web interface is the right choice.
New: A new web interface with responsive design and a range of enhancements to make your work easier. It is currently under development but is already available for use. For more information, contact the support line at 371 124 321.
Cloud option
Let's now cover the basic information about the options for running Flexi. The first option is hosting in our cloud. The cloud solution is a way of running Flexi that gives you access to the system anytime, from anywhere, via the internet. All you need is your personal computer and an internet connection — we take care of the rest.
You can access your data in Flexi from anywhere — even on holiday in Bali.
We handle server and data security on your behalf. Flexi Online runs in the cloud with Amazon Web Services, Inc., whose services are fully compliant with the GDPR regulation. We also perform regular backups of your data, so you never have to worry about losing access to important information. This means you do not need to bear the high costs of purchasing and maintaining a server.
The cloud handles all your data and server management responsibilities for you.
With the cloud option, you are only dependent on the speed of your PC and your internet connection. The cloud solution is the most convenient way to run a modern system. For this reason, and due to its many undeniable advantages, we recommend the cloud option to all new customers — especially users and companies whose computers are not connected via a local network, who need to work from different locations across the country or around the world, and who do not want to deal with server hardware, security, or data backup.
Cloud advantages:
no need to manage server hardware
access to your data from anywhere in the world
collaboration is possible — multiple users can access the data
low fees compared to purchasing and maintaining a server
regular backups and availability as per the license terms
Cloud disadvantages:
internet connection required
dependent on connection speed
limited number of API requests per day (paid plans allow up to 20,000 per day)
some companies may require physical ownership of their data
Self-hosted server option
Another option for running Flexi is hosting it on your own server. This gives you full control (physical access) over your system data, which is an important consideration for some companies — however, this advantage comes with a number of responsibilities that you must manage yourself.
A more technically demanding option that requires your own infrastructure and technical resources.
First and foremost, in addition to your personal computer, you need a server computer that meets the minimum system requirements for running Flexi, as well as a network to connect the computers. This will allow you to work with your data within your local network. If you want to access your data remotely from outside the office — for example from home — you will need to make the server visible on the internet (public IP address, VPN, etc.). You will also need to set up data backup (ideally to a separate additional computer) and ensure data security. Data must be secured not only against natural threats (floods, storms) but also against unauthorized access — both physically and through encryption in compliance with GDPR. From the above, it is already clear that this is a more technically demanding solution that requires the support of your IT administrator, and that the costs of acquiring and managing the server are higher.
Your data is physically under your own management; however, the downside is that you must handle all security measures, access controls, and backups yourself.
If you already have server infrastructure in place, you can run Flexi on-premises with faster and full access to your data. We therefore recommend this solution for larger companies that have already invested in the initial costs associated with their own server for other systems and have solid technical resources in place. Local access to data from the office is in many cases faster than over the internet, and you are limited only by the hardware performance of the client PC and server — even when using the API.
Self-hosted server advantages:
data is physically under your own management
can be used within a local network without an internet connection
collaboration is possible — multiple users can access the data
faster data access within a local network
API limited only by server performance
Self-hosted server disadvantages:
higher costs for purchasing and managing the server
data security and backup must be managed by you
network management required — access controls, firewall, VPN
if the server has no public IP, your data is not accessible from the internet
Local PC option
The final option is a local installation on your PC. With this variant, you install the Flexi system only on your own personal computer, giving you the fastest possible access to your data and the lowest acquisition costs — just your computer, with no internet connection required. You can work with the system anywhere you take your personal computer, even at a cottage without internet access.
You can access your data even without internet — but beware of the risk of your computer being stolen.
The clear disadvantage, however, is that it is not possible to share work with an accountant or colleagues. This is a single-user solution, which is a suitable option for example for a self-employed person who frequently travels and does not have reliable internet access. Just as with the self-hosted server option, you must handle data backup and security yourself. In this case, the risk of data loss is even higher due to the possibility of computer theft or infection with malware. We therefore recommend regular backups to an external device or to the cloud.
With a local PC installation, you are entirely on your own — including data access for everyday work.
Local installation advantages:
fastest data access — but only from that specific PC
lowest acquisition costs — just the PC
data is physically under your own management
can be used without an internet connection
Local installation disadvantages:
data exists physically only on that specific PC
shared work with an accountant or colleagues is not possible
data security and backup must be managed by you — high risk of data loss (theft, viruses)
Do you already know which option is right for you and are you planning to get Flexi?
Contact our sales department at obchodflexi@abra.eu or 371 124 340. We will help you make the right choice.
Didn't find what you were looking for?
Write to us at podporaflexi@abra.eu or call us at 371 124 321. You can also find us on Facebook.