The disadvantages of a stand-alone system are many. The user has the burden of paying for both the hardware and the software. If staff do not have appropriate experience with data system design, resources will be wasted and the system may need to be redesigned. Stand alone systems require maintenance and upgrading. Not only are funds required for these activities, but qualified personnel are also necessary.
Security is also a concern.
Stand alone systems are sometimes viewed with suspicion by officials or administrators who want to maintain total control and security over any system that resides within their institution. The advantages of an integrated system start by removing the burden of paying for and maintaining the system from correctional education programs. In addition, being part of an integrated system makes linking to other parts of the corrections system easier. Some integrated systems have the capability to electronically collect the relevant data, thereby freeing correctional education personnel from the responsibility of entering data. There are several disadvantages of integrated systems .