Web Based POS System

Analist

Dear all

I am exploring into migrating my POS system from the current on premise software package to a cloud based solution (software as a service or SAS).

Some of the web based POS vendors look promising in their offerings but I am wondering if anyone has experience in the process of vendor selection, implementation and data migration as well as the value derived from such a move. Some issues I can imagine include:

- vendors situated in the US and other countries. I imagine there will be a performance hit?
- security?
- integration with payment gateways, NETS and credit card hardware
- mobility solutions like iPad. Do they work to improve productivity?
- loss of internet...any offline support?
- SAAS solution means pay and pay forever...

Anyone with experience to share? I am also open to installing my own web based solution (open source) on my own hosted server.

Thanks
Jeremy