A PDS OnDemand is a delivery mechanism for PDS software. It is not a product; it is a service.
QWho should use PDS OnDemand?
A PDS clients who do not want to be tethered to the office and want to have 24/7 access to their PDS data. Plus, clients who do not want to be responsible for software maintenance and server issues are also great candidates.
QWhat are the benefits of PDS OnDemand?
A Anytime, anywhere access to all your PDS data for part-time, busy, or on-the-move staff. Seamless upgrades and updates. More time to focus on your ministry and less on IT.
QHow does it work?
A You simply access your PDS applications over the Internet. With Internet access, you log into PDS OnDemand and access your PDS programs. Your software remains the same and functions the same.
QWhat PDS solutions can I use with PDS OnDemand?
A All PDS desktop solutions are available via PDS OnDemand.
QWhat are the advantages of PDS OnDemand vs. traditional PDS desktop applications?
A With traditional PDS desktop applications, you are responsible for handling all maintenance issues, such as software upgrades, backups, and server failures. With PDS OnDemand, we manage all this for you. Plus, you get anytime, anywhere access to all your PDS data via the Internet.
QHow flexible is PDS OnDemand?
A You can easily add or remove modules at any time to your PDS OnDemand solution.
Getting Started
QHow do I get started with PDS OnDemand?
A We have onboarding specialists to quickly and easily get you up and running with PDS OnDemand.
Security
QHow secure is my data if I’m accessing it over the internet?
A All data is stored at a completely secure facility. Administrators, leaders, and any other assigned staff can only access the data through their PDS OnDemand login. Standard application rights and permissions limit users access to only the data and processes needed to do their jobs.
QHow does PDS ensure the safety of my data?
A To ensure your data is 100% secure and protected, we use the most up-to-date security technology, including:
Data encryption that meets the standard security protocol for data hosting
Firewall protection
Remote data backups
Secure off-site fireproof storage
Controlled physical access to servers
Access
QAre you saying that I could be on vacation with my laptop and access my PDS data with PDS OnDemand anytime, anywhere?
A Yes, you can access your data anywhere over the Internet. You get 24/7/365 access to all your PDS data.
Functionality
QHow do my PDS desktop programs work in PDS OnDemand?
A All functionality is the same regardless of whether you are running your programs on the desktop or OnDemand.
QWhere is my data stored?
A Your data is securely stored on the PDS server. You can backup your data to your local computer; however, we automatically run backups daily, weekly, and monthly for you.
A Extend integrates with PDS OnDemand. The PDS solutions, such as Extend, already on our network should have faster communication if on the “same wire.” The interfacing should be smoother with PDS OnDemand.
QIs PDS OnDemand compatible with MPDS?
A We plan on releasing a native client soon for MAC users. Currently, you can run Parallels™ on a Mac OS™ to get a Windows® environment; then, PDS OnDemand will run in the Windows environment.
QIf I switch to OnDemand, can I still use my modules in-house as I am doing now?
A If you are a current client, you can switch your current modules to OnDemand; however, you can not use them in-house as you are now. You must choose either OnDemand or in-house; not both.
QDoes PDS OnDemand provide for the export of data?
A Yes. What you can do today in terms of exporting within the PDS desktop, you can do with OnDemand. You do not lose any functionality. Everything in OnDemand works the same as on the desktop.
QWill my check reader and other peripherals work with PDS OnDemand?
A Almost all of the peripherals that have been tested work with OnDemand. Printers and etc. work fine.
QExplain what happens with OnDemand when multiple users try to access the same record in an PDS application.
A The application handles it the same as it does when PDS is installed on a local area network. This is handled by the application, not by PDS OnDemand. In the network version of PDS, the first user to access the record locks the record until finished with it. Other users trying to access the record will find that it is in use. PDS OnDemand is the delivery service—not the product.
QIs the PDS user administration handled differently?
A No. The user administration within your PDS programs is the same as before with your PDS desktop. As for PDS OnDemand, our Professional Services team handles the on-boarding process which includes administering OnDemand users. There are about 9-10 steps depending on the solution bundle that you purchase.
Backup and Downtime
QWhat is the backup process for PDS OnDemand? During backup, how long is the system down?
A You can still manage your own backups. However, we create daily, weekly, and monthly backups. The system is not down during backups.
A PDS OnDemand is a delivery mechanism for your PDS software and includes backup services. LiveStor is a remote backup program designed to protect your most valuable data files by automatically transferring them over the Internet and storing them safely in our secure servers. Therefore, LiveStor is not needed to back up your PDS data when using OnDemand. However, you can still use LiveStor to back up your other files such as documents, spreadsheets, or pictures.
QHow often do PDS’s servers go down?
A We have built in redundancy and resiliency to safeguard against server failures. However, anything can happen, and we can’t guarantee 100% uptime. We don’t expect down time other than planned preventive maintenance. We developed PDS OnDemand with the expectation of 24/7 uptime.
QCan you be more specific on the maintenance downtime?
A Preventive maintenance, if needed, is performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2:00-4:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Maintenance is usually planned and announced.
QHow is disaster recovery handled?
A If there is a disaster and you have to evacuate to another location, you are ahead of the game if you use PDS OnDemand because you already have your PDS data away from your facility. All you need to recapture your data is a PC and an Internet connection. If you are a LiveStor client and are storing your other data on PDS servers, you can access your PDS data via OnDemand and restore your other data with LiveStor.
Support
QWhat support services are offered with OnDemand?
A All the support and services of the PDS Preferred Client Program are included in the PDS OnDemand Solution, including unlimited access to well-trained, knowledgeable support representatives during business hours and 24/7 access to the online Knowledge Base.
QWhat are your support hours?
A Normal support hours (9-8 Mon-Thur; 9-6 Fri EST) apply.
Requirements
QWhat are the system requirements for PDS OnDemand?
A A high speed Internet connection is recommended. You do not need heavy processing power on the local side; all processing is done at PDS.
QIs there a delay in managing the data?
A Your bandwidth is key to response.
Cost
QIs there a monthly service charge?
A Yes, based on the PDS OnDemand solution package/level and number of additional users requested.
QIs there a setup fee?
A Yes, the setup fee is related to the package.
QIs there a per-user fee?
A Each package has a set number of users (the number of users included increases as the package level increases). Additional users can be added for a fee.
QWhat is the fee structure? Is it on your website?
A The fee structure is not on the Web, but is no secret. It depends on the level of functionality and the number of users you need. Your sales consultant can help you determine the best solution for your needs.
QI currently pay a PDS bill that covers receiving updates and support. If I go with PDS OnDemand, does the OnDemand fee replace the current fee that I am paying?
A Yes. The OnDemand monthly subscription fee provides for the services in the Preferred Client Program. It will replace your existing monthly fee. (Premium support can be provided in the OnDemand subscription at an extra charge.)
Cancellation
QI was new to PDS when I enrolled in PDS OnDemand, can I cancel my OnDemand service and run the applications on my desktop?
A If you want to stop using PDS OnDemand and run the applications on your desktop, you will have to purchase the software applications from PDS.
QI was a PDS desktop client before moving to PDS OnDemand, is it possible to switch my applications back to my desktop and cancel my PDS OnDemand service?
A If you choose to stop using PDS OnDemand, your original desktop software applications will be returned to you in the latest version. Any subsequent PDS software applications that you added during your PDS OnDemand usage would need to be purchased at the time you end your PDS OnDemand service.
What do I do next?
QI am interested in learning more about PDS OnDemand, where can I find more information on it?
A Visit the PDS OnDemand Web page to find more information and resources on this solution. Download the PDS OnDemand service brief for a technical overview. Read An Introduction to SaaS, if you would like to learn more about Software-as-a-Service.
QIf I have more questions or am ready to sign up, who should I contact?
A If you are ready to speak with an PDS representative, please call our toll-free number 800.892.5202 or fill out our Contact Form and a Sales Consultant will contact you shortly.
Take a more in-depth look at OnDemand, download the Service Brief
