How cloud-based Wialon Hosting differs from Wialon Local on your own server, and which one a fleet in Ukraine should choose.
Wialon Hosting vs Wialon Local is a choice between two ways of running the same GPS tracking platform. Hosting is a cloud service: the developer runs the servers and you simply log in through a browser or app. Local is installed on your own or an integrator's server, and keeping it running is your job. For most fleets in Ukraine, Wialon Hosting is the simpler and more reliable option.
What is Wialon Hosting?
Wialon Hosting is Gurtam's cloud platform for vehicle tracking and fleet management. Trackers send data to the developer's servers, and you see vehicles, reports and alerts in your dashboard. There is nothing to install or administer.
What Wialon can do:
- Location. Accurate real-time position of every vehicle on the map.
- Movement and stops. Speed, heading, routes and engine hours.
- Reports. Mileage, fuel, trips and violations by vehicle, driver or group.
- Alerts. Speeding, leaving a geofence, fuel drains and other events.
- Remote commands. For example, engine immobilisation via a relay, if one is connected to the tracker.
You can try the interface in our demo account. The official platform description is at wialon.com.
What is Wialon Local?
Wialon Local is the same platform installed on your own server. The company buys a licence, prepares the server, sets up backups and installs updates itself.
The data physically stays with you, but so do all the risks: server failure, power cuts, internet outages or damage to the premises. In today's Ukrainian conditions that is a serious consideration.
Wialon Hosting vs Wialon Local: key differences
| Parameter | Wialon Hosting | Wialon Local |
|---|---|---|
| Where the server runs | In the developer's data centres | On your server or an integrator's |
| Who maintains it | The platform developer | Your IT staff or integrator |
| Updates | Automatic, new features arrive first | Installed by your admin, usually less often |
| Upfront cost | No server investment | Server, licence, setup |
| Running costs | Subscription per unit | Licence, electricity, connectivity, administration |
| Risks | You only need an internet connection | Power, internet, hardware and backups are on you |
| Best for | Small and mid-size businesses, most fleets | Large companies required to keep data in-house |
Which to choose: Wialon Hosting or Wialon Local?
Wialon Hosting suits you if you run anything from one vehicle to several hundred, have no in-house IT department and just want to see your vehicles and get reports. Think of a delivery service with ten vans or a farm with tractors and combines.
Wialon Local makes sense if company policy or a client contract requires data to stay on your own servers, and you have people to maintain the system. That usually means large enterprises or integrators.
If you are still comparing platforms, read our Wialon vs Navi.zone overview: for a small fleet Navi.zone is often simpler and cheaper.
What to check before choosing
- How many vehicles you have and whether the fleet will grow. For 5–50 vehicles, a dedicated server almost never pays off.
- Whether you must keep data in-house. If not, the cloud is simpler.
- Who will maintain the server. Updates, backups and protection against power failures need a dedicated person.
- Which trackers you use. Both versions support common Teltonika, Bitrek and other models, but check the list in advance.
Wialon Hosting pricing and switching providers
At GPSka, Wialon Hosting costs 195 UAH per month or 899 UAH for 6 months. All plans are listed on our GPS tracking plans page.
If you already use Wialon Hosting through another provider, your units can be moved without interrupting tracking. Trackers usually don't need reconfiguring because the server address stays the same. Details are on our Wialon Hosting page.
FAQ
Which is cheaper: Wialon Hosting or Wialon Local?
For a small or mid-size fleet, Wialon Hosting is usually cheaper because you don't buy a server or licence or pay an administrator. You pay only the subscription. Wialon Local can work out cheaper only for a very large fleet that already has its own IT infrastructure and staff to maintain it.
Does Wialon Hosting work during power cuts in Ukraine?
Yes, because the Wialon Hosting servers are not located at your premises. Trackers run on the vehicles' batteries and send data over the mobile network. All you need is internet access on a phone or laptop. If a tracker loses signal, it stores the data in memory and sends it later.
Can I move from Wialon Local to Wialon Hosting?
Yes, it can be done. Units are created in the Hosting account, and trackers are reconfigured to the new server address, often remotely by SMS or a configurator. Trip history from the old server is migrated separately or kept as an archive. It is best to agree a migration plan with us before starting.
Where is Wialon Hosting data stored?
Data is stored in the data centres of Gurtam, the developer of Wialon; for European customers, in Europe. Only users of your account can access it, with permissions you set yourself. You decide who sees which vehicles, reports and settings, and you can change those rights at any time.
Read also: Wialon and SENT integration: how to avoid fines for transporting goods in Poland
GPSka · turnkey fleet tracking
Wialon Hosting with no server to maintain
Tracker, SIM card, setup and dashboard. Navi.zone from $9.90 per vehicle per year, Wialon from 195 UAH per month.
