The short version
A cloud DMS keeps your records on the vendor’s servers, and you use it over the internet. A local appliance keeps your records on a device inside your dealership, and your team uses it over your own network. Neither is automatically safer or better; they suit different priorities.
Where your records live
Cloud: on the vendor’s infrastructure, under their security controls and policies. Local: on encrypted storage in your building, under your physical control. With ClozBox, the public website cannot see, synchronize, back up, or remotely access dealership records.
What needs the internet
Cloud: almost everything, including signing in. Local: daily work runs on the dealership network. ClozBox still uses the internet for things outside the appliance, such as this website, online ordering, shipping updates, and optional support messages.
Updates
Cloud vendors update for everyone, usually without asking. A local appliance updates when you choose. ClozBox never downloads updates by itself; updates arrive as signed packages on an approved USB drive. Application updates take a backup first and roll back if a health check fails.
Backups and recovery
Cloud: the vendor backs up their systems, and you rely on their process. Local: you own the routine. ClozBox keeps rotating backups on the device and makes verified, encrypted copies to USB with a passphrase only you know, but the off-device copies are your responsibility.
Access from anywhere
Cloud systems are reachable from home or on the road, which is convenient and also a larger exposure. A local appliance is designed for use inside the dealership; ClozBox has no remote cloud access to dealership records.
Cost model
Cloud software is usually a monthly subscription for as long as you use it. ClozBox is a one-time system purchase, with maintenance and support (ClozBox Care) priced separately by the year; the core software keeps running locally without a required cloud subscription. Compare total cost over several years, not the first invoice.
Questions to settle before you decide
- How long can we work if the internet is down?
- Who can reach our customer records, and from where?
- Who makes and tests backups, and where are the copies?
- Can we export all of our data, in what format, at no extra cost?
- What does it cost over five years, including support?
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Your contracts, state rules, and qualified advisers decide what applies to your dealership.