On this page
01. The family02. Desktop software03. Cloud options04. Which should you choose?05. Always confirm06. A typical scenario07. Common mistakes08. Quick checklist09. Frequently asked questions
ZKBio Time.Net is the newer name of ZKTeco's Windows desktop attendance software in the same family as ZKTime.Net: menus and workflow are similar. Cloud options run on a server and suit multiple branches. For one office, the desktop software is usually enough.
Key takeaways
- Same family: ZKTime.Net and ZKBio Time.Net.
- Desktop software suits single offices.
- Cloud suits many branches and remote access.
- Ask what your terminal supports before choosing.
01The family
ZKTime.Net came first. ZKBio Time.Net is the newer name and build. The menus, data model and steps are in the same family, which is why the screenshots in our main guide (taken from ZKTeco's ZKTime.Net manual) still help.
02Desktop software
- Installs on a Windows PC.
- Talks to terminals over your LAN.
- Data stays in your office.
- Lower running cost.
03Cloud options
- A server holds the data; terminals push punches over the internet.
- Good for many branches and remote managers.
- Needs a terminal and software version that support it, and an ongoing cost or setup.
- Requires reliable internet.
04Which should you choose?
- One office or a few terminals on one LAN: desktop software.
- Many branches on different networks: consider cloud or VPN (multi-branch guide).
- Unsure: start with desktop; you can add cloud later if your terminals support it.
05Always confirm
Terminal firmware and software version must match. Ask the seller before buying.
06A typical scenario
A three-branch retailer started with the desktop software on one LAN and later evaluated cloud for remote branches once the number of sites grew. Starting simple saved cost.
Illustrative example based on common cases, not a named customer.
07Common mistakes
- Assuming the names mean different products.
- Choosing cloud without reliable internet.
- Mixing software versions.
- Not checking terminal support.
- Ignoring running costs.
08Quick checklist
- List sites
- Check internet
- Check terminal support
- Compare costs
- Pilot
- Decide
09Frequently asked questions
Is ZKBio Time.Net the same as ZKBio Time (cloud)?
No. The cloud product is a separate server-based option. Names are close, so confirm which you are buying.
Can I upgrade later?
Often yes, but check data migration.
Do I need internet for the desktop version?
No. It works on your LAN.
Can Qyvea advise?
Yes, free.
This guide is part of our ZKTeco K40 and ZKBio Time.Net series. For the full start-to-finish walkthrough with screenshots, read How to Configure a ZKTeco K40 Pro with ZKBio Time.Net.
ZKTeco and ZKBio are trademarks of ZKTeco Inc. Menu names on the K40 Pro and in the software vary slightly by firmware and software version; where yours differ, look for the nearest match. Qyvea is a ZKTeco reseller and installer in Kenya.
