Running your fitness business is a challenge and finding tools to use that are going to make it easier are a critical step in taking your business to the next level. Finding a piece of software that you can use to have all of your scheduling and billing in 1 system is a big step forward as the software will be able to accurately keep track of personal training that you have provided, bootcamp memberships and so many other parts of your business without you even having to worry about it.

Having worked with both online and desktop scheduling and billing software I have noticed substantial differences between them. Here are a few observations as I have seen as a tech support person:

1. Installations:

Online - Installation is extremely easy, quick, there typically isn't any actual install just opening up a web browser and accessing your secure site.

Desktop - Installation can be like passing a kidney stone and can take many hours/days. The time frame depends on the size of the files being transferred, internet speed, firewalls, hardware, etc.

2. Running Reports:

Online - Reports run quickly. Even when there is a lot of data to go through (such as invoices or payroll, etc) it usually runs in an acceptable amount of time. But if you ever do get bored of waiting, you can just open another window and keep working on something else while your report builds in the background.

Desktop - Reports are painfully slow. For some reason when something is taking forever to build we tend to click the mouse violently like the program knows you're becoming impatient. This usually lands up with the program freezing, sometimes even freezing the computer. Ugh! Start menu... restart computer... restart report...

3. Updates:

Online - Updates are usually seamless and clients don't usually notice the update.

Desktop - Updates are like seeing lightning then waiting for the thunder. You have to send the update. Once the update is sent, you can usually expect a mass amount of calls saying the update destroyed their software to the point it's not even usable. Grey hair starts to grow at this point.

4. Windows / OS updates:

Online - Microsoft Windows updates or Macintosh OS updates don't affect online software... which is awesome.

Desktop - Microsoft Windows updates or Macintosh OS can and do affect desktop software. Sometimes the updates can change settings on the computer, which then can affect the software. When you work with desktop software you are very aware to when Windows and OS are sending updates. You program it into your calendar as you would your mother's birthday.

5. Accessing your system:

Online - If there's internet, you can access your system. With most online software this includes iPhones, blackberrys, laptops, etc.

Desktop - If you're at your computer, you can access your system. Unfortunately I don't think you'd be allowed to setup a desktop computer at a coffee shop because you want to do some work.

6. Data Recovery:

Online - Web-based software usually has automatic backups to their servers. So data recovery is not normally an issue.

Desktop - If you don't have an up to date backup you could lose your data. If the hardware failed, then data recovery could cost you a few hours with a technician or sometimes is impossible to recover at all. Re-entering every member's information and inventory does not sound like a way I'd want to spend my weekend.

Many fitness professionals need to access their schedules from various locations, so online business management software may be more effective. Being able to book appointments and view schedule changes is vital and software should help make this easier.