Hosted Service vs Downloaded Software

Why the two versions?

The hosted version is a service where you sign up and can start your email marketing right away. No install or technical knowledge needed.

The downloaded version is software that installs on your own web server. You should know how to install web software, have a web/mail server, and understand you are responsible for email deliverability, upgrades, server issues, etc..

Not sure which version to choose?

The hosted version is suggested for most users. Focus on your email marketing and let us handle all the technical details. With the hosted version we provide the software, server infrastructure, mail servers, top of the line deliverability, upgrades, and support. You can be up and running in under 60 seconds!

For more technical users that wish to have the software installed on their own server the downloaded version may be a good option. You should have a web server (that meets our requirements) and should be familiar with installing web based software and basic server configuration knowledge.

A quick comparison:

Interested in switching?

You can easily go from using the downloaded software to using the hosted service, while retaining all of your existing data. Most Email Marketing administrators are more than happy to ditch all of the server maintenance, software upgrades, hosting costs, and delivery responsibility that comes with running the downloaded software. For this reason we have made it very easy to switch - just submit a support request to us expressing your interest in switching, and we can get you set up quickly!

The benefits of switching to hosted include:

1. Free from server-related maintenance. Server optimization, configuration, and weekly backups are handled for you! No server administration knowledge is required.
2. Instant, seamless software upgrades.
3. Sender reputation and deliverability are managed by our experienced administrative team!
4. Seamless data transfer from your database.
5. Custom URL to maintain your site presence/branding.
6. Unlimited users and groups - pay only for subscribers / emails sent.
7. Relax and let us handle the software and server issues!

Still unsure?

If you are still unsure of which version you should likely choose the hosted version. This is a no-hassle approach where you can focus on your email marketing and not spend your time working with servers, software, and trying to build your own infrastructure for the software.