What happens if the internet drops? Where is your data kept? How do you follow your branches? What do you pay? An honest comparison between cloud POS and software that runs on the shop computer, with the pros and cons of each and when each one suits you.
Cloud POS: the software and your data are on the provider's servers. Your cashier is an app (on a tablet, phone or POS terminal) that sends every transaction to the cloud, and you follow up in the browser or app from anywhere. Most are monthly or yearly subscriptions.
Software on your computer: the program is installed on the shop computer and the data is stored there. Selling happens locally, and the internet is used for specific things such as sending invoices to ZATCA, backups and linking branches. HADAB is this type: Windows software that runs on the shop computer.
Some systems combine both: an app that can sell offline for a while and then syncs with the cloud. So do not stop at the words "cloud" or "offline"; ask exactly: what works if the internet drops, and for how long?
| Topic | Cloud POS (in general) | On the shop computer (like HADAB) |
|---|---|---|
| Internet outage | Differs from system to system: some keep selling and sync later, some limit transactions. Ask the provider. | Selling, printing and reports work as normal, and invoices are sent to ZATCA when the connection is back. |
| Where the data is | On the provider's servers; the provider handles storage and backups. | On the shop computer, with a daily backup to the owner's email. |
| Following up from outside the shop | One of its strongest points: you see sales in the browser from anywhere. | The manager's phone follows up from inside the shop, and the manager device collects the data of linked branches. |
| Many branches | Usually built for it: all branches in one cloud dashboard. | Each branch has a main device with its own stock; the manager device keeps a full copy of each linked branch and shows the branch reports side by side. |
| Hardware | Many run on a tablet, phone or a dedicated POS terminal. | A Windows computer or POS terminal and a thermal printer. |
| How you pay | Usually monthly or yearly, often per branch, register or user. | Yearly per device, VAT included: 1,500 or 3,000 for the first year, then 575. |
| Speed at rush hour | Depends on the network and the device. | Local on the computer, so it is not affected by internet speed. |
| Updates | Delivered by the provider automatically. | Automatic updates, and the licence moves to a new computer with no data lost. |
| Responsibility for the device | The provider is responsible for the servers. | You are responsible for the shop computer; the daily backup in your email protects you if it breaks. |
No type is "best" for everyone. What matters is choosing for your business and trying before you pay. For the full comparison, see how to compare POS software in Saudi Arabia.
The HADAB POS plan is 1,500 SAR for the first year, then 575 SAR a year, and the Accounting plan is 3,000 SAR for the first year, then 575 SAR a year. Each extra cashier linked to the main device on the shop network is 575 SAR, and each extra main device (for another branch, for example) costs its plan price. Prices are in riyals and include 15% VAT, with a full 14-day free trial and no card.
The brand names on this page belong to their owners. We mention them as plain text for identification only; this does not imply any relationship or partnership. Information about other programs is taken from their official websites as it was in October 2026. Prices and features change often, so check each provider's website and ask them directly before you decide. HADAB prices on this page include VAT and are all on the HADAB pricing page.
All prices include VAT, with a fully featured 14-day free trial.
For the first year, then 575 SAR a year. The till, e-invoicing, stock, purchases, customers and reports.
For the first year, then 575 SAR a year. Everything above plus full accounting, payroll, zakat and financial statements.
Cloud POS keeps the software and data on the provider's servers and you follow up from anywhere; software on the computer keeps them on the shop computer and selling does not depend on the internet.
No. HADAB is Windows software that runs on the shop computer, and the data stays with you with a daily backup to your email. The internet is used to send invoices to ZATCA and link branches.
You keep selling, printing and getting reports as normal; invoices are saved and sent to ZATCA automatically when the connection is back.
In HADAB the manager's phone follows up from inside the shop. If you need full follow-up from anywhere through the browser, that is a strength of cloud systems.
Each branch has a main device with its own stock; the manager device keeps a full copy of each linked branch, sends the menu, prices and offers, and shows the branch reports side by side.
The data is on your computer, a backup reaches your email every day, and the licence can move to a new computer with no data lost. Protect the computer with antivirus and stable power.
Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you install and link with Fatoora.
+966 56 173 9500 · +966 50 062 6563
