Traditionally, MBS software has been sold to cemeteries and funeral homes and paid for as a lump sum  at the time of sale. An annual fee has also been paid to cover ongoing Technical Support and software  upgrades. The software is installed directly on the client’s server, which has also been paid for and  maintained by the client’s IT personnel. This is known as an “on-premises” installation. 

With MBS Cloud, our applications are installed on MBS servers and made accessible from anywhere over  the Internet. The cloud service is paid for via a subscription. Technical Support and upgrades are  included in the subscription. MBS also maintains the servers, freeing the client from that responsibility. 

The advantages of using a cloud service over an on-premises installation include: 

• The service is paid for via a subscription, rather than as a large upfront lump sum for software  licenses. 
• The cemetery or funeral home is not required to purchase a server specifically for Nexus.  Servers and hosting fees are included in the subscription. 
• The service is accessible from anywhere over the Internet. No complicated installation is  required. 
• In addition to full desktop applications, the service includes web applications designed for web  browsers, tablets, and mobile devices.  
• In addition to Windows computers, Apple Mac computers are supported. 
• MBS provides complete administration for the service including installing applications and  updates, adding/removing users, and backing up data.
•  With a cloud service, MBS is able to provide the highest level of support, relieving the client of  many pesky hardware and network problems.

The caveats of a cloud service include: 

• The subscription does not cover all upfront fees. Professional and development services are still required to be paid at the time they are performed. See “What is included in the price?” below  for more details. 
• An on-premises server may still be needed for other non-MBS software. IT personnel may still be required to maintain local workstations and devices. 
• The cloud service will not be accessible during an Internet outage. 
• If the subscription is cancelled, the service can no longer be used. However, the cemetery will  retain the data. See “What happens if I cancel my subscription?” below for more details.

No. MBS is not requiring our clients to choose our cloud service, nor are we specifically recommending that our clients move in that direction. We are now offering a cloud service based on current trends and  interest from our customers. It is optional, and each client should decide if it is right for them. We plan  to continue offering on-premises software for the foreseeable future.

The cost is based on a number of factors including the number of users and which application modules are used. Let us know if you would like us to work up a cost estimate for you.

Yes. A modest startup fee is charged to set up the service. This fee will be included in the cost estimate.

The subscription includes the following: 

• Access to desktop and web applications 
• Application upgrades 
• Unlimited technical support 
• Daily backups of data 
• Server hardware and hosting 
• Server administration by MBS 

The following services are NOT included in the subscription. These will be billed at the time the service is performed: 

• Training 
• Data conversions and import consulting 
• Custom software development 
• Deed creation 
• Any other services that carry an hourly fee

The base cloud service includes up to 10GB of storage per database. This is sufficient for all but the largest databases. The subscription fee will be increased for databases that exceed the limit.

No. The service can be cancelled at any time, and there is no minimum requirement for the number of users.

Yes! MBS offers substantial discounts on cloud subscriptions for products previously purchased by a client. We’ll include this discount in the cost estimate. MBS can move your existing applications and data to the cloud.

Any time is a good time to look at the cloud, but the best time is before investing in new on-premises hardware or software licenses. Whether you are a new client about to purchase our software, or an existing client that needs to replace an aging server, take the opportunity to consider if you can benefit from MBS Cloud.

MBS will bill you annually for payment. If you would prefer to pay monthly, MBS can retain a credit card on file for automatic billing. Payment is due in advance for services. The subscription will be renewed automatically every year/month, unless the subscription is cancelled in advance.

Contact MBS to cancel the subscription before payment is due for the next renewal. Your subscription will remain active for the remainder of the month that has been paid. If you paid for an annual subscription, MBS will provide a pro-rated credit or refund for the remaining unused months in the year.  MBS cannot provide pro-rated refunds for partial months. 

A subscription can also expire due to lack of payment. If advance payment is late or the credit card on file is rejected, MBS will contact you to request payment. If payment is not received in a timely manner, the subscription will be cancelled.

Your subscription will remain active for the remainder of the month that has been paid. Afterwards, you will no longer be able to access the service, but you will retain your data. Upon request, MBS will make the latest data backup available for download.  

If you had previously purchased on-premises software licenses before transitioning to MBS Cloud, those previous licenses can continue to be used on your own server.

Yes. A subscription can be renewed after a lapse. If there is an outstanding balance from the previous subscription, it must be paid in full before the subscription can be renewed. An additional startup fee may be assessed to set up the service again.

MBS Technical Support personnel are available during normal business hours.

All of our desktop applications (Nexus, IMAP, DeedIt!, Blaze, and others) are offered  both on-premises and in MBS Cloud.

Web applications are only available in MBS Cloud.

No. Setting up, maintaining, and ensuring the security of web applications is much more complex than desktop applications.  As a result, MBS is only offering web applications as part of the cloud service.

Yes. You can do so at any time by purchasing on-premises software licenses. MBS will help you install the software and move the data to your own server. However, MBS web applications are not available for on-premises installations

Yes, you can access the service from anywhere. MBS desktop applications are accessed using Remote Desktop Connection, which is available on most computers. MBS web applications are designed for web browsers, tablets, and mobile devices.

MBS Cloud includes both desktop and web applications, each with their own requirements. See the "Cloud Services" section of the MBS Suggested Minimum Hardware document for more details.

Yes. For the best experience and support, MBS recommends using Windows computers, but Apple Macintosh computers are supported

No, Chromebooks and Linux computers are not supported.

Although these platforms have Remote Desktop Connection software, these apps do not contain the full feature set of the Windows and Mac clients. As a result, some MBS Cloud features are not functional on these computers.

MBS Cloud web applications may function better on these platforms using supported web browsers, but MBS is unable to provide support if technical issues arise.

MBS Desktop applications are accessed using Remote Desktop. Technically speaking, most devices have Remote Desktop Connection software that can be used to connect to the service. However, these applications have been designed to be used on a full-sized screen with a keyboard and mouse. On small screen devices that use touch, you will likely find the experience unacceptable. On hybrid devices, such as tablets that have optional keyboards, your mileage may vary. \

MBS web applications are designed for web browsers, tablets, and mobile devices.

Yes. In on-premises installations, MBS cannot support Wi-Fi or 4G due to inconsistent or unreliable connections. In a cloud environment that uses Remote Desktop, this is not an issue. Keep in mind that your experience will be affected by the quality of your connection, but an inconsistent connection does not present a danger to the application and data as it does on-premises.

To ensure the quality, security, and reliability of our services, MBS does not allow other software to be installed on our servers. If you would like to install software developed by other vendors – such as Microsoft Office, BusinessWorks, QuickBooks, etc. – MBS can refer you to our ISP to setup your own separate cloud server. You would be fully responsible for this server and work directly with the ISP. MBS would not provide any technical support or services related to this server.