What's the difference between cloud payroll and desktop payroll?

Desktop payroll software is installed on a single computer and stores data locally. It requires manual updates when statutory rates or regulations change, and access is limited to whoever has the machine. Cloud payroll runs online, updates automatically, allows multiple users to access it from different locations, and backs up data off-site. For most Malaysian businesses in 2026, the maintenance overhead of desktop payroll software outweighs any cost advantage.