As more and more businesses move to the cloud, it’s essential to understand the different options available and make the right decision for your company. There are three main choices when it comes to hosting your data and applications:
Cloud-Based
The cloud is a catch-all term for how software and services are hosted over the internet rather than on your device. It offers many advantages, including reducing storage needs and allowing you to access information from just about anywhere.
On-Premise
On-premises software allows companies to take advantage of sophisticated technology while securely keeping their data and processes under one roof.
Hybrid
Hybrid cloud offers flexibility and control. By blending on-premises architecture with private and public clouds, organizations can access a unique range of computing resources that can be adapted dynamically according to their needs.
Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand your options before making a decision. This blog post will look at each option and discuss the key considerations for each deployment type. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of which solution is right for your business. Let’s get started!
What Is The Cloud?
The cloud refers to an ever growing network of remote servers hosted on the internet, used for securely storing and transferring software, data, and other digital information. The cloud can be public or private and can store and access data virtually anytime, anywhere in the world – rather than just on your computer’s hard drive.
Cloud computing represents a huge leap forward for businesses and individuals alike as it offers tremendous cost savings on hardware, software, and security control costs while offering flexibility and scalability. With cloud technology, anyone can access files from any device at any location, making remote working simpler than it’s ever been before.
Cloud computing can be incredibly convenient, but it also has some cons. One of the major drawbacks of using the cloud is security risks. As data becomes increasingly digitized, cyber-attacks and data breaches become more commonplace. Additionally, storing data in the cloud means companies rely on third-party services to protect sensitive information.
On-Premise Software and How It Compares to The Cloud
On-premise software, also known as ‘on-prem,’ is software designed to run from the users’ own data center rather than a cloud platform. It is an increasingly popular software for organizations wishing to maintain control over their data and applications without paying for additional hosting services. What makes this attractive is that organizations can tailor their IT infrastructures with software specifically designed for their own needs while cutting costs due to the lack of up-front license fees.
This hybrid of traditional technology combined with modern software-defined solutions has enabled companies to reduce the need for external expertise and maximize their IT department’s time spent on core activities and innovations. Another benefit is the enhanced security offered when running these applications on your own property – you always know exactly what’s going on and where your data is being stored.
Using on-premise software can be an expensive and complex endeavor. Companies must invest in the necessary hardware, software, and network infrastructure to host their own systems. Hosting can be a major cost for some businesses, drawing away resources that could otherwise be used elsewhere. Additionally, regular maintenance and system updates are required to ensure the highest levels of security and performance.
The Advantages of Hybrid Systems
Hybrid systems are a great choice for many businesses since they offer the best of both worlds: the flexibility of cloud computing and the reliability of on-premise hardware. With a hybrid system, you get the scalability and security of the cloud while still being able to keep some data and operations on-premise if necessary. In addition, you can even benefit from lower costs associated with having only a portion of your data stored in the cloud. The end result is an agile work environment that gives you greater control over how your data and company resources are used while still maintaining critical information safely. Hybrid systems provide tremendous advantages for businesses seeking to stay ahead in a highly competitive landscape.
Deciding What’s Best for Your Business
Deciding what’s best for your business can take time and effort. Before making any decision, it’s important to consider the current context, expected outcomes, and potential risks. Before jumping in, take some time to identify the benefits of the alternative options. Gather input from trusted advisors who have made similar decisions, and consider how such a decision may impact your bottom line and future growth.
Here to Help!
Ultimately, you want to choose an option that aligns with your core mission while balancing financial, operational, and legal concerns. When making these decisions, stay mindful of how they will impact everyone involved and focus on being proactive instead of reactive. If you need help in deciding which option is right for you, Neptune9 is ready to answer your questions about the cloud, on-premise software, and everything in between. Contact us today!
