If you’re looking to buy software for your company the first thing you’re going to ask for is a demo copy. Actually, most mid-sized companies are going to need multiple demo copies in order to fully test the functionality of the software across departments. For decades, this has meant having an IT person take time to install demo copies on all necessary computer terminals and possibly place a sample administrative copy on your main server. Once the demo is over, all that software has to be removed.

Today, more and more software companies rely on virtual demos to give potential customers a taste of the program’s features. Instead of having to send out copies of proprietary software or programs that are still in development, software companies place the demo on a centralized server and give potential customers access through web logins and passwords.

Customers benefit from this arrangement as well. They are able to thoroughly test the functionality not only of the software, but of the support services offered along with it. They are able to set up different tiers of access and accountability which gives a more accurate test experience. Furthermore, they don’t have to involve their IT department in the testing process, since no software is installed on their company’s servers or individual computers.