Advantages of the browser-based solution compared to classic installations
Installing software, deploying updates, resolving compatibility issues – the classic ERP model ties up IT resources and limits flexibility. With the Abacus Browser Edition, this is a thing of the past. In this article, we show what distinguishes the browser-based solution and for whom it is suitable.
The way we use software has changed. What used to be standard – installation on every workstation, local data storage, manual updates – now seems cumbersome. We are used to simply opening applications in the browser: email, project management, video conferencing. Why should business software be any different?
With the Browser Edition, Abacus takes this step. The software runs entirely in the web browser – without installation, without plugins, without dependence on the operating system.
What is the Abacus Browser Edition?
The Browser Edition is the web-based version of Abacus Business Software. All functions – financial accounting, payroll, order processing, HR, and more – are accessible via a modern web browser. Technically, it is based on HTML5 and requires no local installation.
Supported browsers:
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Microsoft Edge
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
The data is stored either on Meritoria AG’s servers or on the customer’s own IT provider’s servers as a SaaS model. Data sovereignty remains with the customer at all times.
The advantages at a glance
No installation, no maintenance effort
The most obvious advantage: you don’t have to install anything. No setup wizard, no administrator rights, no compatibility check. You open the browser, log in – done.
This also applies to updates. The software is updated centrally. The next time you log in, you automatically work with the latest version. No rollout to 50 workstations, no version conflicts, no downtime.
Platform independence
Windows, macOS, Linux – it doesn’t matter. If a modern browser runs, Abacus runs too. This gives you freedom in hardware choice and makes mixed environments possible without problems.
Particularly interesting for companies that:
- Allow employees to work with their own devices (BYOD)
- Use different operating systems
- Want to flexibly replace hardware without reinstalling software
Access from anywhere
Home office, field service, customer visits – wherever you have an internet connection, you also have access to your company data. No VPN needed, no remote desktop connection that stutters with a poor connection.
The performance is better than with classic remote solutions because only the data actually needed is transmitted – not the entire screen content.
Faster setup of new workstations
A new employee starts tomorrow? No problem. Open the browser, enter login details, start working. The setup time per workstation drops from hours to minutes.
This also applies to temporary workstations: temporary staff, interns, external consultants – they get access without tying up IT resources for installations.
Lower IT costs
Less installation effort, fewer support requests, fewer hardware requirements – it all adds up. The IT department (or external IT partner) can focus on strategic tasks instead of software rollouts.
Hardware requirements also decrease. A current browser on an average computer is sufficient. Expensive high-end workstations are not required.
Browser Edition vs. Classic Installation
| Criterion | Classic Installation | Browser Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Installation required | Yes, on every workstation | No |
| Update process | Rollout to all clients | Central, automatic |
| Operating system | Windows required | Any (with modern browser) |
| Offline use | Possible | Not possible |
| Hardware requirements | Higher | Lower |
| External access | VPN / Remote Desktop | Direct via browser |
| Setup time per workstation | 30-60 minutes | 2-5 minutes |
When is the Browser Edition the right choice?
The Browser Edition is particularly suitable for:
Companies with distributed locations
Branches, field service, home office – if employees work in different locations, the Browser Edition is ideal. No synchronization effort, no VPN problems, a uniform working environment everywhere.
Fast-growing companies
If you regularly hire new employees, the Browser Edition saves considerable time during setup. Onboarding becomes faster, and the IT department remains unburdened.
Companies without their own IT department
SMEs that do not have their own IT specialist particularly benefit. Less maintenance means less dependence on external service providers – and lower costs.
Mixed-device environments
Some employees work with Windows, others with Mac, still others with tablets. The Browser Edition makes this possible without needing a separate solution for each platform.
When is the classic installation better?
Fairly, there are scenarios where the classic installation has advantages:
Offline requirements
If you regularly need to work without an internet connection – for example, on construction sites or in remote areas – the Browser Edition reaches its limits. No access without a network.
Very high performance requirements
For extremely data-intensive operations (e.g., mass processing of hundreds of thousands of data records), local installation can still have advantages. For most SMEs, however, this is not a relevant scenario.
Strict compliance requirements
Some industries or companies have regulatory requirements that make purely browser-based access difficult. This is rare, but it does happen.
The transition: Easier than expected
If you already work with Abacus, switching to the Browser Edition is straightforward. The data remains the same, the functions are identical, only the frontend changes.
What changes
- Login via browser instead of local application
- Slightly adapted interface (optimized for web)
- Keyboard shortcuts partially different
What remains the same
- All functions and modules
- All data and settings
- All permissions and roles
- All integrations and interfaces
The transition requires a short adjustment period – but no training in the classic sense. Anyone familiar with Abacus will immediately find their way around.
Security: As good as with a local installation?
A legitimate question: Is a browser-based solution secure enough for sensitive company data?
The short answer: Yes, if the basics are right.
Encrypted connection
All data is transmitted via HTTPS – encrypted and tap-proof. This is the same standard you use for online banking.
Two-factor authentication
Abacus supports 2FA. In addition to the password, a second factor is required – such as a code via app or email. This also protects against compromised passwords.
Central access control
Who can see and do what? You control this centrally. If an employee leaves the company, you block access – effective immediately, without cleaning up local installations.
No local data
Since no data is stored locally, there is nothing to steal if a laptop is lost. The device is replaceable, the data is secure.
Conclusion: The future is browser-based
The Browser Edition is not a compromise, but an advancement. It offers more flexibility, less maintenance, and lower costs – without sacrificing functionality. For most SMEs, it is the better choice compared to the classic installation.
Of course, there are exceptions. Those who need to work offline or have extreme performance requirements are better off with the classic version. But these are special cases, not the rule.
The trend is clear: business software is becoming web-based. With the Browser Edition, you are ready for this future – today.
Would you like to test the Browser Edition?
We will show you the Browser Edition in action. In a short demo, you will see how easy access is and how familiar the operation remains.
