Cloud PMS Realities – Part 1

Why We Are Not a Cloud PMS

In recent years, one word has dominated the hotel software industry: Cloud.

Cloud PMS. Fully online hotel management. Everything in the cloud.

But is being in the cloud really the point? Or is control the real issue?

This article is the first part of the “Cloud PMS Realities” series. And our first question is simple: Is being cloud-based truly an advantage?

What Is a Cloud PMS?

A Cloud PMS is a hotel management system hosted on the provider’s servers, where all operational and guest data is stored in the cloud.

• Reservation data lives on the provider’s infrastructure
• The hotel does not control the server
• Access depends entirely on internet connectivity
• Data is not physically stored within the hotel

This model is marketed as “modern.” But modern does not always mean controlled.

The Promoted Advantages of Cloud PMS

• No server investment
• No internal IT dependency
• Access from anywhere
• Automatic updates

All true. But key questions are rarely asked:

• Who truly controls the data?
• Who carries legal responsibility?
• What happens during outages?
• Who ultimately controls pricing and distribution?

The Real Question: Who Owns the Data?

In a Cloud PMS model, reservation history and guest data are stored on external servers. Under GDPR and data protection laws, legal responsibility remains with the hotel — yet the physical control does not.

This contradiction deserves attention.

Is Traditional On-Premise PMS Better?

• High hardware investment
• Strong IT dependency
• Limited integrations
• Lack of real-time booking infrastructure

Hotels are often forced to choose between cloud dependency and expensive legacy systems.

Why VinnHotel System Is Not a Cloud PMS

• Hotel data remains within the hotel’s own system
• No centralized cloud data dependency
• Data control stays with the hotel
• No costly server investments
• No complex IT burden

Is Real-Time Booking Possible Without the Cloud?

Yes.

• Channel Manager controls rooms and pricing rules
• VinnAgency provides real-time agency access
• Rates and availability synchronize instantly
• Reservations are generated via Live Booking

Cloud-based does not automatically mean real-time.

Conclusion

VinnHotel System is:

• Not a Cloud PMS
• Not a legacy on-premise system
• Not just software

It is a hotel-centric, real-time Live Booking platform where data control remains with the hotel.

This article is Part 1 of the “Cloud PMS Realities” series.

Series Continuation

This article is the first part of the “Cloud PMS Facts” series.

In the upcoming articles, we will explore:

• Is Cloud PMS Truly Secure?
• On-Premise vs Cloud PMS: The Real Cost Analysis
• Who Owns the Data in Cloud PMS?
• Is Cloud Necessary for Real-Time Booking?

You don’t have to be cloud.

You never have to lose control.

The discussion is just beginning.