In the evolving landscape of information technology, enterprises face critical decisions when it comes to managing their IT infrastructure.
The important choice is between on-premise solutions and cloud computing models. On-Prem. solutions providers host hardware and software applications locally, offering businesses extensive control over their IT environment.
Despite the growing popularity of cloud-based alternatives, on-premise solutions are preferred, especially by institutions prioritizing data security and management.
What are On-Premise Solutions?
On-Prem. solutions are IT infrastructures in which hardware and software applications are hosted by enterprises locally or on-site.
In comparison to IT assets hosted by cloud service platforms or remote data centers, enterprises have more control of on-premise IT.
The extent of control includes the management of assets such as performance maintenance, security measures, and the physical location of the on-premise environment where it is located.
Even today, various legacy and traditional data center resources are on-premise. But, in recent years there has been a shift and some of these resources have migrated to cloud service and hybrid models that use a mix of cloud and on-premise solutions.
What Functionality Do On-Premise Solutions Offer?
Similar to the software purchased from external providers and installed on the hard drives of personal computers, on-premise software is installed and run locally on the hardware of businesses.
Contrasting with cloud models, these solutions allow enterprises to have complete control over their work environment. As a disadvantage though, they have the full responsibility of maintenance of the on-premise environment.
These include solving potential issues and risks that may arise in IT departments of enterprises in operation.
On-premise software providers often have no access or constrained access to the IT assets of enterprises, and access is usually via desktop applications, while for increased security measures, businesses often opt for web-based user interfaces.
Most of the on-premise software is licensed for a limited time, though an increasing number of software providers are switching to SaaS (Software as a Service) models. Microsoft Office and Adobe products are examples of such software.
On-premise Solutions: Application Areas
Despite the increasing shift from on-premise to SaaS solutions, on-premise software is still preferred by enterprises depending on their IT resources and operation requirements, often for the security and management of sensitive data. These include financial institutions and public authorities.
Hence, the preference of on-prem. solutions is a conscious decision as some of the businesses and institutions want less involvement of third parties in their operations such as the processing of their own data.
On the other hand, the use of on-premise solutions is becoming less preferable due to the increasing popularity of cloud computing models such as SaaS (Software as a Service).
Cloud-based solutions provide businesses with the resources they need for both software and hardware, including the maintenance of operation of the IT environment.
Additionally, SaaS providers offer monthly or annual payment options instead of the pay-for-once approach of on-premise solutions. This makes the costs of software more predictable for businesses.
VCaaS (Video Conferencing as a Service) software, similar to SaaS solutions, are cloud-based solutions used for visual communications over an internet connection, allowing for easier collaboration and communication for businesses.
As a VCaaS solution, OctaMeet offers individual users and enterprises a wide range of functionalities and capabilities such as annotations and meeting recording. It also offers an On-Premise option for corporate users.
Advantages and Disadvantages of On-Premise Solutions
High Level of Management and Control
Enterprises using on-premise solutions have absolute control over the data stored in their environments, also possessing the right to give access rights. Therefore, businesses themselves deal with all the responsibility regarding IT resources and software, independent of software providers.
Generally, using the software and accessing the data does not require internet access to the nature of the local environment.
Increased Data Security
Within on-premise solutions, the data is stored in a separate data center, hence, third parties have no access to such information.
Furthermore, complying with legal regulations regarding data protection is facilitated by on-premise environments as the information is stored locally by the businesses.
Low Cost for Long-Term Licensing
On-premise solutions require paying a license fee only at the beginning of the purchase. Other than paying for additional costs for updates and support, businesses have predictable costs for the services they use. Additionally, integration of software within a network is possible.
High Effort for Maintenance
On-premise solutions users have the responsibility to fix the issues that may emerge, also taking care with the regular software updates and backup of data.
Depending on the availability of resources of the enterprises, these processes may be time-consuming, and have negative impacts on the business operations.
Therefore, employees who are experts in IT maintenance or a separate IT department within the enterprises are often required.
Issues with Hardware and Software Compatibility
Effective use of software often requires certain hardware environments, including databases, operating systems, and server systems.
In this context, compatibility of hardware and software is crucial for the function of business operations, and in case of lack of technical knowledge compatibility issues may arise.
Less Predictable Operational Expenses
Aside from the maintenance costs allocated for IT experts and departments, businesses may have to deal with additional expenses for technical infrastructure, which further increases if any issues emerge.
Furthermore, on-premise solutions providers license their software to a limited number of users, which can increase the expenses of businesses depending on their equipment of choice.
Differences between On-Prem. and Cloud Computing Models
On-Prem. and cloud computing models are solutions used for software and data management and are distinct from each other in various aspects.
SaaS solutions are hosted by service providers via the Internet, and these providers deal with the operational and management processes of such IT environments.
Data of enterprises using SaaS services are stored in the data centers of the service providers. Payment is often made in monthly and annual subscriptions, and businesses may have the opportunity to cancel their subscriptions on demand depending on their plans of choice.
Since businesses can foresee their possible expenses based on their plan and duration of use, SaaS services offer more flexibility and efficiency in terms of time and required costs, having an advantage over on-premise services in this aspect.
Furthermore, enterprises have the option to choose between other cloud computing models, PaaS and IaaS, depending on their business needs.
In conclusion, on-premise solutions are IT infrastructures utilized by enterprises. Unlike cloud solutions, enterprises manage all the operations of their IT environment including software and hardware.
Businesses have increased security, control, and low installation costs with on-prem solutions. However, they have to face potential issues such as high efforts and costs for maintenance and licensing of software.
Despite the increasing use of cloud computing models like SaaS solutions, many institutions and businesses still prefer on-premise solutions depending on their operational needs and security concerns, as they have the capability to store their data in their own data centers.
You can book a demo with our product team to explore OCTAPULL and its On-Premise installation options.
