Which is a better option: software or hosted?

There is no definite answer to this question because each option has its own benefits.

	Open-source software	Hosted solution
Installation	You need to install WebAsyst on your web server to get started.	You only need to sign up to get started, it takes as little as a minute of time. It is as simple as creating an account at Gmail or Flickr. No software installation is needed.
Customization	Source code of the WebAsyst software is fully open, and you may customize it as you like: from design fine tuning to serious customization of the way software works. PHP programming knowledge is required.	Only the storefront design is customizable using the tools available in the web interface.
Expenses	You need to buy WebAsyst scripts and pay for the web hosting service.	Minimal initial expenses. You may start off with a free account!
Security	You install the software on your server and define the security level at your discretion.	Our server platform is specially designed for optimal WebAsyst performance, and offers a high security level certified by the McAfee daily security monitoring.
Access	Full administrative access to the software, as scripts are installed on your own server.	Access through a web interface only. No ability to access the source code (including FTP access) or upload/modify custom files to arbitrary server directories; e.g., .htaccess.
Limitations	Disk space and number of users are limited only by the capacity of your web server.	Your account capacity is limited by the selected pricing plan.
Updates	The automated update routine in WebAsyst Installer allows easily installing software updates using only your web browser.	Choosing the hosted WebAsyst solution guarantees timely updates of the software to the latest version available without your input.