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Introduction
Until recently, client/server software applications have held the predominant place in the Transportation Management Systems market. Now, Web-native systems are out pacing server- based systems by providing increased data security; anywhere, anytime access; and superior efficiency-all using an intuitive and easy-to-use design.

The cost of energy, labor, and insurance continues to skyrocket so significantly, that it has become necessary for most companies to improve the technology used within their supply chains in order to remain profitable. The efficiencies realized by online supply chain management solutions are exponentially greater than those of client/server applications.

Web-Enabled vs. Web-Native or Software as a Service (SaaS)
Many industries are quickly realizing the benefits of utilizing Web-native software applications as opposed to client/server applications. Innovations in technology are redefining the way Web-native applications are created and delivered. Such innovations have lead to an important distinction between Web-enabled and Web-native, or software as a service (SaaS) applications. By definition, Web-enabled applications are typically an inefficient retrofit of an existing software application "adapted" for use over the Internet. SaaS applications are created to fully utilize the power of the internet to deliver the application quickly and reliably. Users indicate that the look, feel and performance of a Web-native software application are indistinguishable from a locally installed and hosted program.

Client/Server vs. Internet
Hardware
Purchasing and maintaining enterprise-class equipment such as servers, firewalls and security tools can be much too expensive for many small to mid-sized companies and an unnecessary expense for larger corporations. By outsourcing select business functions to a SaaS provider, it is possible for companies gain access to best-in-class technology with minimal upfront costs, and a significantly reduced hardware and IT expense.

A truly Web-native can be accessed by logging into the system with a secure/unique login and password via the Internet. Computer hardware will fail, power will go out, network problems will occur, and that downtime can be costly and damaging. The use of redundant servers and an enterprise-class IT Infrastructure enables Web-native solutions to often boast 99.999% server uptime, which equates to approximately 5 ? minutes of unscheduled downtime per year. According to www.webhosting.info, small to medium sized businesses experience 64 hours of server downtime per year.

Backups
Data retention is a very important aspect of any TMS, so the backing up of data is paramount. Recent studies indicate that almost 60% of companies incorrectly backup their data. In addition to the risk of faulty backups, natural disasters pose a risk to locally stored data. Just a few years ago, over one million medical records were lost during hurricane Katrina, seriously impacting thousands of medical offices and patients alike. More frequently than natural disasters, catastrophic data loss happens with broken water pipes, computer theft, employee mishaps and even power spikes. Web-native applications typically offer backup technology; backing and validating your data to redundant, off-site locations that ensure your data will always be available, safe and reliable.

Security
Server-based systems typically lack physical and electronic security that protects a company's data from natural disasters, data-theft or office mishaps. Most Web-native servers are located in world-class maximum security data centers, such as the Bandwidth Exchange Buildings in downtown St. Louis.

The Bandwidth Exchange Buildings are the primary carrier hotels and carrier interconnection facilities for St. Louis and the entire region. The buildings are connected by 432 strands of dark fiber, owned and maintained by the Buildings. The Bandwidth Exchange Buildings are home to every major local and long haul fiber provider in the region. The first building was first transformed into a Carrier Hotel in 1995 follow by the Bandwidth Exchange-2 in 1997. This state-of-the-art facility includes:

• Service Level Agreement guaranteeing 100% Uptime
• State of the art raised floor data center
• Robust primary power
• Continuous power backed by multiple diesel generators
• Power backed and conditioned by UPS systems
• Cisco networking
• Carrier neutral network access featuring Qwest, AT&T and other national providers
• State-of-the-art fire detection and safety
• Access control system w/ CCTV and biometric security
• Security staff available and onsite 24/7/365

Cost
Client/server or Web-enabled software systems typically require an upfront licensing fee, as well as the purchase of expensive hardware, storage and backup equipment. On top of the cost of equipment, the office is then required to install the hardware, maintain and upgrade the software and train employees to use it effectively. With Web-native solutions, all you need is a basic computer with access to the Internet. This level of availability also provides secure access to supply chain data anytime, anywhere, via the Web. Unlimited live technical support, comprehensive training, and regular software updates are typically included as part of the software offering.

Forrester Research found that the total cost of accessing Web-native applications can be 75 percent less than client/server software ("Good Hosts," Information Week, June 2, 2003). In a recent study of Web-native medical practice management users, customers reported an average ROI of 400 percent during a five-year period, with some recouping 100 percent of their initial investment in as little as six weeks. ROI was measured by looking at the cost of the application, hardware and maintenance, as well as identifying the business processes that were affected by the ASP implementation ("ASP Customers Hail Return on Investment," Network World, March 25, 2002).

What does this mean?
Web-native Transportation Management Systems offer a headache-free source for data access, privacy and security while also providing for on-going back-ups at affordable costs. Prologue Technology knows that companies of all sizes can greatly increase efficiency and decrease costs (both upfront and on an ongoing basis) by relying on Web-native TMS software.

Web-native TMS software allows transportation/logistics professionals to access management software without the excessive out-of-pocket and operational costs associated with traditional client/server-based applications. Overall costs for management, maintenance and hardware requirements are significantly lower with Web-native solutions-not to mention associated headaches, business inefficiencies and support calls.

Prologue Technology is confident that the Software as a Service model provides a superior method for transportation management and TMS software; the SaaS model renders the client/server and Web-enabled business models antiquated and inadequate.

Request A Demo of our leading Transportation Management System (TMS) today!

References
Information Week, 2 June 2003, "Good Hosts"
Network World, 25 March 2002, "ASP Customers Hail Return on Investment"
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, http://www.os.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/
The POMIS Report, 2006, "Physician's Office Management & Medical Information Systems Industry"
www.webhosting.info, 30 June 2005, "SMB's Hit by Server Downtime; Reports Fasthosts" St. Louis Business Journal, April 2008