What is meant by multi-client capability?
If a software or hardware system is multi-client capable, it can be used by several users (clients) at the same time, who cannot access the data of other users. Each client can work in the same environment not only with their own data, but also with their individual settings.
Multi-client software distinguishes between two categories of data: cross-client (global) data and client-specific (individual) data.
- Cross-clien data is visible to all users of different clients. This applies, for example, to system update notifications.
- Client-specific data, on the other hand, is only intended for specific clients and can only be accessed and edited by these clients. This includes customer data, for example.
For many companies, multi-client capability is a decisive argument when purchasing software. This is especially true for groups of companies with legally separate parent companies and subsidiaries. Thanks to multi-client capability, each company can process its own data.
However, multi-client capability also has other advantages: If several clients share an IT system, the required resources are used in a cost-saving manner. There is no need for separate systems for each company. In addition, the effort required for maintenance work or system updates is reduced, especially as adjustments can be made for a specific client independently of the other clients.
A multi-client capable IT system has the following properties:
- The system is scalable as the requirements of individual clients increase
- The system masters the legal particularities of the different clients
- The system provides security measures to protect the data of each client
- The system separates data and settings of different users and organizations
- The system can be configured and customized for each client
