subject: Internet, Web Or Cloud Based Technology Have Different Names, Same Services [print this page] Internet-basedInternet-based. Web-based. Cloud-based. Regardless of the terminology, these three terms have the same definition: They describe technology that relies upon or is supported by the Internet.
Most of us are familiar with this technology. In fact, it may even be part of our daily routine. Think of all the tasks you now do online. From checking your bank account balance and scheduling payments to purchasing plane tickets, Internet-based technology has become an important-and oftentimes expected-tool we use to make our lives easier.
In addition to our personal responsibilities, businesses, too, rely upon this technology to improve their operations. One type of Web-based program in particular can help business and organizations spend less time focused on their appointment and session scheduling and more time on their products, services and customers: Scheduling software.
HOW INTERNET-BASED SCHEDULING SOFTWARE WORKS
Internet-based scheduling software is a perfect example of Software as a Service (SaaS), a software distribution model in which a vendor or service provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over a network, usually the Internet. Once a business purchases the service, it accesses the software online, typically with a user name and password. It then has the ability to manage its appointment-setting procedures online and in one central location.
Gone are the days of paper appointment books and electronic calendars, which don't offer the expanded functionality of Web-based schedulers. Benefits of this technology include:
No Expensive Hardware, Downloads and Installation. The beauty of Web-based scheduler software is its simplicity. Most don't require the business to download (or upload) software or purchase expensive hardware to use the service. It's as easy as accessing a Web page, logging into your own account, and managing your appointment scheduling.
Self-Scheduling. This can be the most important benefit of Internet-based appointment-scheduling software, as it allows a customer, client, patient or student to book, modify and cancel appointments at their own convenience, 24 hours a day. If the software is automated, there are no additional steps a business has to take in regards to setting appointments or sessions. The software will automatically manage the calendar and appointments.
Accessibility. Most SaaS scheduling programs are Web-based, which means that anyone with an Internet connection can access them. This is important not only for self-scheduling, but also for the business owners and staff, who now have the flexibility of accessing, viewing and managing their own clientele off-site. Our fast-paced lifestyles often require us to work outside the office, which makes this feature invaluable.
Automatic notifications. All of us have missed or been late to appointments, whether personal or professional. Wouldn't a reminder have been beneficial in those situations? Some appointment-scheduling providers feature e-mail and text reminders sent prior to the scheduled appointments. Not only are these added perks for your clientele, but they can also reduce the number of "no shows", which studies have shown can be reduced by almost 50 percent with proper reminders.
E-Marketing. Depending on how the software stores and organizes customer, client, patient and student contact information, it could also give you the tools to develop a successful marketing program for your business. Having correct e-mail addresses is the key to e-marketing, and chances are you'll have these for your clients, especially from those who self-schedule their appointments and sessions. Utilize this functionality to send newsletters, marketing pieces, coupons and specials.
Security. The notion of safe information online may have been questionable years ago, but today's SaaS providers house their customer information on secure servers typically backed up on a regular basis to ensure security. In fact, it may be just as safe-if not safer-than storing vital information on an individual computer or local network.
Reporting. Most businesses rely on accurate reporting to get a snapshot of their overall operations, as well as gather more specific details on the activities of individual staff members and clientele. Internet-based scheduling software gives you the functionality to easily pull this information.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A WEB-BASED SCHEDULER
In addition to the aforementioned functionality, there are several considerations businesses should examine before selecting their online appointment-scheduling provider. These include:
Reliability. If your business is dependent on accurate appointment and session scheduling, having dependable software is a must. Some providers offer a free trial of their product, which can help you get a feel of what it offers and determine if it consistently experiences any interruptions of service, glitches, recurring errors and bugs.
Ease-of-Use. Will your clientele and staff have difficulty using it? If so, you may want to reconsider. Ease-of-use is a major factor when selecting scheduling software; if your staff and customers, patients and students won't use it, it defeats the purpose of implementing it. You shouldn't have to be a computer expert to master scheduling software.
Support. Make sure that the Internet-based scheduler you chose has adequate service support. Chances are you, your staff and your clientele will experience technical issues or have questions regarding specific functionality. Although an online FAQ section or e-mail responded to in a week may suffice in some instances, there will be times when you need to speak with a customer service representative or have an e-mail question answered right away. Not every business is tech savvy, and not every scheduling service provider offers adequate customer service.
Security. In addition to being a benefit, it's an important consideration, especially given the amount of personal information your software will contain. Look into a company's security credentials before making a decision.
Cost. Appointment-scheduling services run the full gamut when it comes to pricing, from free downloadable software to expensive, professionally-installed programs. Some providers offer monthly pricing with no contracts, while others require a long-term commitment. Check out all your options before deciding. You should be comfortable with the service before making a financial decision.
Whether it's referred to as Web-based, Internet-Based or Cloud-Based, online scheduling technology can give your business the edge in its appointment- and session-setting processes.
