Do you feel like you chose the right internal communication platform? Deciding on whether to switch from your client-based to a cloud-based email client. Because there might have been more to deliberate on. In this blog post, we are going deeper into the analysis of both solutions with a specific example of Politemail reviews, pricing, and alternatives.
At Cerkl, we think a lot about what makes internal communication platforms great. Functionality, user interface, and many more aspects are vital to choosing what tool is best for each organization.
But many people don’t think about what each system is based on. The way internal communication is run largely depends on the kind of service they use, and when it comes to communication with internal email, there are two options: cloud-based tools and client-based tools.
Let’s dive into the differences between other client-based IC platforms like eM Client, Hiri, and PoliteMail, alternatives to a cloud-based platform like Cerkl Broadcast.
Cloud Based Email
Cloud-based email tools like Broadcast, also known as web-based email tools, are platforms that are hosted on remote servers and accessed through a web browser. Here are some of the benefits of using a cloud based email tool:
Accessibility
Cloud-based internal communication is very convenient. Email tools can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to check wherever you go. They are generally user-friendly and easy to navigate, with simple interfaces that require little to no setup. Features like Content Hub and SharePoint also make it easy to manage all aspects of communication, whether you are distributing or receiving it.
Cost
Another major advantage of cloud communication is the cost. It may seem like having a local server is the best way to go, but there is much more to it. Microsoft points out that there is the cost of the server itself, the operating system and email platform, as well as the electricity, cooling, and staff to support it. This is a big reason to find other The Bat! and Politemail alternatives.
Maintenance is something you won’t have to deal with, as the provider is responsible for maintaining the server and making sure it is up to date.
Scalability
Scalability is another key factor that cloud-based email tools have to offer. Since it is not dependent on hardware, there is more room for growth. More resources can be used by the cloud provider to ensure that it runs smoothly. All of this makes Broadcast a high contender for eM Client, Hiri, and PoliteMail alternatives.
In terms of disadvantages, cloud-based email tools may be vulnerable to security risks such as hacking and phishing attacks. There are security measures in place, but that does not mean a security breach is impossible. However, they work through Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, or Microsoft Azure. More measures are put in place to protect your data than a personal device has (with a local email client) simply because the owner is solely responsible for its safety of it. This means that the cloud system has more security measures.
Also, there is way more dependence on a service provider, which could be a good or bad thing. You are relying on other people for the success of the communication and you don’t have as much control over the actual system, though there are customization options available. User interface, features, or functionality are just some things that you won’t be able to customize.
Client Based Email Pros and Cons
Client-based communication is an application installed on a local device that is linked to a physical location. PoliteMail is just one example of this, based on Outlook and M360. Its infrastructure is very different from a cloud-based service.
Advantages
One of the biggest parts of a client-based email tool is usage without an internet connection. This allows users to access their email from remote locations or places with little internet service.
There are also more customization options available than in cloud-based email tools. It allows users to configure their email client to suit their specific needs, including adding plugins or extensions. They also store data on the user’s device, providing an extra layer of security and privacy. For those considering a transition to cloud-based tools, understanding how to manage cloud contracts is essential to ensure compliance and optimize service use.
Disadvantages
However, there are many disadvantages to this. For one, client-based tools are dependent on the device that they are installed on. This can be limiting for people who need access to communication from many devices and locations. For example, many PoliteMail reviews have reported that they have limited sending capacity and that Outlook has been crashing. Storage is also contingent on the person’s device, so it can limit how much they have. Even more, the email client must be on to send out emails. If it’s a large list, it can take hours of sending when you are unable to leave your computer.
Cost is also another large factor. Some systems require a large up-front purchase or subscription fee, which can be more expensive than cloud-based services. Plus, integration options with other software might be limited. So PoliteMail pricing and others like it may not be ideal.
Choosing what’s right for you
Ultimately, choosing the right kind of software is dependent on what you are looking for, and there are many cloud-based, adaptable.
Each organization is unique, with different goals and capabilities that their internal communication technology must adapt to. And both client-based and cloud-based email tools have their pros and cons. Another way to gain more insight is to look at eM Client, Hiri, and PoliteMail reviews to see what customers think.
However, cloud-based email tools seem to outperform client-based tools. They are accessible, easy to use, and offer collaboration features, while client-based email tools have limited capability and high costs. Cloud-based tools represent the next generation of internal communications.
What’s Next?
Still not sure which option is best for you? Contact us today to learn how successful companies use our cloud-based email tool to streamline their internal communications and engage their employees.
Check out our internal communications audit template.
If you are curious to learn more about how our cloud-based tool compares to a client-based tool, check out our PoliteMail vs Broadcast product comparison to learn more about what each kind of service has to offer.
FAQ
A cloud-based email service refers to an email hosting solution where emails and associated data are stored on servers in the cloud, allowing users to access their emails from any device with an internet connection.
Outlook is part of the Microsoft Office 365 cloud-based service – so, yes it is. Since May 2023, users have been able to sync non-Microsoft accounts, including emails, to the Microsoft Cloud using Outlook for iOS (the iPhone operating system) or the new Outlook for Mac.
Yes, Gmail is a cloud-based email service provided by Google, where emails and data are stored on Google’s servers, and users can access their accounts from various devices with internet connectivity.
iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based service. The preference between iCloud email and Gmail depends on individual needs and preferences, as both services offer different features and integrations. Some users may find iCloud email more seamless if they use Apple devices, while others might prefer Gmail for its extensive features and widespread compatibility.
