What is a significant disadvantage of a "locally installed but network required" delivery method?

The chosen answer highlights a major issue with the "locally installed but network required" delivery method. When software or applications rely on both local installation and network connectivity, any disruption to the network can lead to a complete loss of functionality. This means that even though the software is installed on the device, users may find themselves unable to access essential features or perform necessary tasks if the network goes down. This can severely impact productivity, especially in environments where continuous access to the application is crucial.

The other aspects, such as the need for frequent updates or potential compatibility issues with various devices, often exist in many software solutions regardless of their delivery method and do not singularly define the "locally installed but network required" model. Similarly, while installation costs can vary, they do not directly correlate to the unique functional challenges presented by losing network connectivity. This helps to underscore why the risk of losing functionality due to network issues is the most significant drawback of this delivery approach.