This post is very old. Some things have changed. The desktop version of Qlik Sense is no longer free and needs to authenticate to a Qlik server. So to run Qlik Sense locally on your PC you would still need a server (either your own server or a cloud server). I don't use Qlikview but it probably has limitations as well.
If your friend runs a small business then the cloud is the way to go because you don't have to invest in your own infrastructure. The frontend of the cloud product is similar to the on-premise install and even has more features. The cloud and on-premise versions of Qlik sense diverge on the backend. The management of the two systems is very different. If you have a large user base with specific needs then you should consider the on-premise install and getting your own server.
Overall, Qlik is a top-tier data intelligence tool and is competitive with any of the other major BI vendors. But you should still consider your specific needs and determine what is best for you. One specific feature could have a large impact on how you work.
