Why Nexus is just better than cloud-based software

Before we begin explaining the differences, if your organization demands a cloud-based solution, we do offer one upon request!

>> Click here to learn more about it

In the fast-paced environment of scrap metal recycling, where transactions happen quickly and business depends on immediate access to data, the reliability and speed of your software are critical. LAN (Local Area Network) or locally-hosted software, like Nexus, provides numerous advantages over cloud-based systems, ensuring your business runs smoothly regardless of internet speed, availability, or other disruptions.

One of the biggest advantages of LAN-based software is its performance. Since the software is hosted locally on your internal network, data travels directly between your machines without the need to route through external cloud servers. This significantly reduces latency and ensures fast response times, even in high-traffic environments. Additionally, locally hosted software is not dependent on the internet to function, making it a much more reliable solution when your internet is slow, intermittent, or completely down.

How much faster does Nexus handle data than cloud-based software?

1Gbps LAN Speed (What Nexus runs at) 👍
1000 Mbps
Basic Cable Download Speed (What cloud-based runs at) 👎
100 Mbps
0 Mbps
500 Mbps
1000 Mbps


If that seems like a big downgrade in performance, there is even a more grim fact: Home/business internet speed is NOT synchronous. What this means, is you may have a high DOWNLOAD speed (the speed in which data comes TO you) but your UPLOAD speed (the speed in which your scale tickets, customer information, camera images and all your data gets sent to the cloud from your location) is often much, much lower, around 40mbps typically.

Here is what that looks like:


1Gbps LAN Speed (What Nexus runs at) 👍
1000 Mbps
Basic Cable Upload Speed (What cloud-based runs at) 👎
40 Mbps

On top of all of this, that doesn't account for the other common issues with cloud based software:

  • Cloud-based software works using 'language interpreters' to run their code. This means, the code is read line by line during execution, every time and is very slow. Nexus is compiled software, which runs at a factor of 10:1 in terms of software speed before even accounting for network/internet speeds. It's the difference between taking a commuter train or taking a Ferrari.

  • The more people using the cloud-based system, the slower it typically becomes. Because all users share the server(s) resources equally.

  • You don't own your data, they do. They can sift through it, use it how they want, sell it, market to your customers and even hold it hostage in any number of events including price increases with their platform, and you're powerless.

  • If their system goes down or has even the tinest little issue, all customers they have are down at the same time. Meaning your ability to get any kind of help at a mission-critical time is reduced as your calls/request will simply be a drop in the bucket for all the support requests they receive.

  • They can force updates on you, and all customers, and you have no choice but to accept them or revert back to old versions -- for better or for worse

    • How much faster does Nexus's code run vs Cloud-Based?

    When you take two pieces of the same code and run them in different programming languages, you get different speeds because of the way each language and their dependencies work to make that code execute.

    This study was done by a third party and is available to read on here: Stackoverflow Link

    So lets compare the program speed of Nexus vs Cloud based software, which is important because every time you load a screen, click a button, save something, open something, do something, you will be faced with this literal speed difference:

    Cloud-Based Software (written in Python) 👎
    283 Seconds
    Nexus (written in compiled C#) 👍
    9
    0 Seconds
    150 Seconds
    300 Seconds


    Horrendous performance difference. Imagine having a line of 30 people out of the door waiting, while you are using software that is 96.8% slower than Nexus, and that's BEFORE any data is sent and received by the server(s), which is 10x or more slower than Nexus.

    So, why are there so many cloud based systems then?

    Those reasons are simple:
    1. It's cheaper, easier and faster to build -- The languages used to make cloud-based software are often more simpler easier to read and write, which means you can hire cheaper, lower-end programmers to write it in less time versus non-cloud based software like Nexus which is a closed ecosystem on your network and made using far superior and far more advanced coding systems and paradigms that take expert skill and more time to develop.

    2. It's cheaper, easier and faster to deploy -- Cloud-based software is just a website. Designed to provide you with the functionality of a scrap software system. Because it's just a website, there are basically no real setup or deployment processes -- they just send you a link and you can use it.

    3. It's cheaper, easier and faster to maintain -- The developers just need to change one piece of code, in one spot, and all their customers get the new changes at once (for better or for worse)

    4. They can bill you forever -- Cloud-based software is sold as SaaS (Software as a Service). Meaning, as long as you use it, you pay monthly. You can never really 'own it'. Even if you did pay them a one-time fee, they can change their mind down the line and force you to buy the 'next new version' OR if they go out of business, all that money and your data/usage of the software are gone.

    The bottom line:

    You get slower, more unrealiable software, and the developers who made it get to save a boat-load of money giving it to you, and get to bill you forever for it.

    Available and reliable even when the power goes out

    A huge benefit of using Nexus in a LAN setup is that it remains operational during power outages when running on generator power. Since the system doesn’t rely on an external cloud server, all of your critical business functions can continue uninterrupted as long as your network and servers are powered. This means that even in the event of an extended power outage or internet disruption, your team can continue processing transactions, managing inventory, and maintaining compliance records, all while other businesses relying on cloud-based solutions may come to a standstill.

    Your data is yours, and is always secure

    Another major advantage of LAN-based software is data security. With cloud-based systems, your data is often stored on shared platforms, increasing the potential risk of exposure or breaches. With Nexus running on your internal network, your data is stored locally and isolated, providing an additional layer of security. You control who accesses your data and how it’s protected, reducing the risk of external breaches or unauthorized access from outside the network.

    Everything just runs smooth, every day

    For scrap yards and metal recycling centers, where the reliability, speed, and security of data are paramount, LAN-based software like Nexus offers the peace of mind that your business will continue running smoothly, even when external factors like power outages or internet disruptions arise. It’s a powerful solution built for the specific needs of your industry, ensuring your operations are fast, secure, and always available when you need them.

    What are the best practices for my network setup and design?

    Simply follow the PDF file below, which contains EVERYTHING you (or your IT professional) needs to know to have a top-tier network at a budget price:

    Click here to view the PDF file

    Troubleshooting and diagnosing network issues:

    Typically Nexus will self-diagnose and attempt to self repair any issues with your computer, network, devices, etc.

    First Steps: If Nexus isn't finding any direct issues, but something doesn't seem right, simply click Settings at the top of Nexus and then Diagnostics for a deep test.

    For any other networking issues you're experiencing, have a look at the PDF below:

    Click here to download the PDF

    We'd love to show you what we can do for you and earn your business! Contact us for a free demo


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