The IT infrastructure, which server is better, on premises or cloud computing has always been a major point of contention. While on premises has a more traditional structure where hardware, software and data is stored on site, cloud computing is more virtual where the data storage and software can be availed and accessed through the internet for remote work. Therefore to make a choice between the two can be difficult. With the dawn of SARS COV-19 pandemic, cloud computing became more popular as remote work became the new normal. The prediction as of 2021 calculated that there would be a 18.4% hike in the growth of public cloud services and the spending might reach upto 304.9 billion dollars. But, this is not the deciding factor on which of the two being better. In this article we will go through every detail that distinguish between on premises and cloud computing.
On Premises:
In simple words, On premises is a traditional method that comprises of systems, hardware and software applications within an IT infrastructure, where you retain absolute ownership of the servers. The physical maintenance of systems marks a major difference between on premises and cloud computing. On premises systems are responsible for the installation of in-house servers and the required hardware, when a business adopts the on-premises system. To avoid data breaches and losses, the company has to hire a team of IT professionals who will help prevent any occurrence of a malfunction. On premises requires a license per server which makes it the company’s responsibility hereafter. The on-premises services are highly customizable.
Cloud Computing:
The biggest benefit of cloud computing is that you can access to the required IT servers on demand and request from anywhere using the internet services. Cloud computing is a highly used deployment technology which is extremely accessible and easy to use.
The two types of Cloud computing are:
1) The Public Cloud: The service providers possess the needed hardware and software systems and through them deliver the resources through the internet.
2) The Private Cloud: When a single business firm or organization has installed in-house servers with the help of in-house experts or via third party to deploy their private cloud.
Major Differences between Cloud Computing and On Premises:
The key difference lies where on premises helps you store data and run all the services locally. In cloud computing your data and servers are saved on the service providers system and you can access them through the internet.
Since on premises requires a physical installation of all the hardware and maintenance systems, they can be costlier as compared to cloud computing. Cloud computing only has subscription charges pertaining to the business requirements. Mobility is another huge difference between the two, on premises cannot be used for a remote structure easily as it requires huge installations in-house, on the other hand cloud computing provides access globally, you only require a stable internet connection.
When we talk of the security, both the servers have their fair share of highlights and challenges.
Cloud computing has a major challenge as you require a stable internet connection, this also plays a major role in its performance and security aspect. While for on premises a malfunction might cause severe data loss and data theft.
Which of the two is apt for my business?
Both cloud computing and on premises have their list of advantages and disadvantages. While in case on cloud computing one has the benefits of easy accessibility, cost effectiveness and easy installation benefits, for on premise the business has absolute ownership and requires no third party or external factors. Both these servers have proven to be highly beneficial in storing data and giving great services.
Therefore here are a few questions that needs to be answered to understand which of these two systems are fit for your business structure.
1) Your investment budget
2) What are your safety needs and do you need them or have the tools in advance.
3) For a local installation, do you have required expertise.
4) Do you require on demand services
5) Is there a requirement for a scalable system.