Over the last year we’ve seen an acceleration of a trend that started about a decade ago.  When we first released TimeControl Online, our TimeControl Software as a Service in the Cloud, we were an early adopter.  Internally we debated over what kinds of companies might be tempted to subscribe to a corporate system like our enterprise timesheet as opposed to installing it internally in the cloud.

That debate is over.

It’s quite clear that virtually all kinds of organizations are prepared to shift from managing large internal data centers towards cloud-based services.  In the past year, the pandemic has made it even more challenging for companies to manage the logistics of their own data centers and internal servers.  Not all work on such servers can be done remotely and that has pushed even more organizations to see how their corporate systems could be delivered.

There are three main avenues that our clients ask us for to support TimeControl and TimeControl supports them all.  Those are on-premise (often shortened to On-prem), SaaS (which we often refer to as either Cloud or Online) and Private Cloud.  Let’s take a look at the licensing implications and logistics of each.

On-premise

TimeControl started back in 1994 as an on-premise solution and we are committed to continue to support this method of delivery for as long as clients request it.  There are still a number of industries including defense and high-tech R&D that want to manage their data internally for security purposes.  We’re fine with that.

Licensing

From a licensing standpoint, HMS will sell a license of TimeControl with pricing per active user and that includes access to our helpdesk and any updates, upgrades and new versions for the first year. Each year thereafter, we offer an annual support contract that continues to give access to the helpdesk, updates, upgrades and new versions.  For any client whose support contract lapses, they can renew it but it must be renewed to the date the contract lapses.

Logistics

From a logistics standpoint, HMS provides either an installable file or a complete DVD image file for download from our TimeControl client support area.  The client is responsible for installation and installation of any updates and upgrades.  The client is also responsible of course, for their internal environment including the server TimeControl will be installed on, the database server, malware protection and backups.

Private Cloud

This describes an environment where the client has decided to shift their internal servers to subscribed servers with an Infrastructure as a Service provider.  Popular providers include Amazon, Oracle and IBM as well as many, many others.  These virtual servers are maintained by the Infrastructure company and this is a more and more popular solution.

Licensing

From a licensing standpoint, this is just the same as an on-premise purchase of TimeControl.  HMS will sell a license of TimeControl with pricing per active user and that includes access to our helpdesk and any updates, upgrades and new versions for the first year. Each year thereafter, we offer an annual support contract that continues to give access to the helpdesk, updates, upgrades and new versions.  For any client whose support contract lapses, they can renew it but it must be renewed to the date the contract lapses.

Logistics

From a logistics standpoint, HMS provides either an installable file or a complete DVD image file for download from our TimeControl client support area.  This file will then be uploaded by the client to their virtual server and installed there.  The client is responsible for installation and installation of any updates and upgrades.  The client is also responsible of course, for their internal environment including management of the virtual server TimeControl will be installed on, the database server, malware protection and backups.

TimeControlOnline, our subscription Software as a Service in the Cloud

TimeControlOnline is our subscription service that has been in continuous service since 2011.  The service is used by TimeControl clients of all sizes and has enjoyed a 99.9% uptime since its first release.

Licensing

From a licensing standpoint, clients can subscribe for an annual license to TimeControlOnline for each active user.  Cost varies by volume but ranges between $2.50 and $9.00 per month per user.  All subscriptions are annual.

Logistics

From a logistics standpoint, HMS provides access to a fully functional TimeControl that is ready to use on the first day.  Clients are able to configure, load data, add reports, link to external systems such as a project management tool and use the free TimeControl Mobile App right away.  TimeControl Online and TimeControl on-premise are the same code-base so there is no functionality difference between having on-premise, private cloud or TimeControl Online.  HMS takes care of the server management, malware protection, 24×7 monitoring, database management, all hotfixes, updates, upgrades and new versions in the background so that is never something that has to be managed by the client.   While help-desk calls are rarely needed in this environment, TimeControlOnline subscriptions include access to the help desk.

TimeControl Industrial is supported in all three of these environments as well so clients who need Crew Timesheets, Field Data Collection for Material consumption, Equipment usage and production accomplished can choose the environment that works for them.

TimeControl Mobile is designed to work in all three of these environments as well but for on-premise, and private cloud installations, security configuration to ensure the Mobile App can reach the TimeControl server is the responsibility of the client.

Adjusting to how our clients need to function is the keystone of how HMS has operated since we founded the company.  Making sure TimeControl can support a client’s environment is just one of the ways we do that.

Contact HMS if you have questions about shifting from one environment to another or need help on configuration.