Without reliable access to their critical data, businesses fail to meet customer needs and grow their own operations. This can lead to severe inefficiency, frustrated clients, and even businesses closing their doors for good. Properly storing and accessing data requires a strong IT infrastructure. Cloud computing and on-premise infrastructure are the most common types of IT systems, but how do you know which one is right for your business? Continue reading to learn how these IT resources compare to one another so you can determine which one is the perfect fit for your business’ needs.
How Do Cloud Computing and On-Premise Infrastructure Work?
Every piece of technology in your business is run through your IT infrastructure. How exactly that works depends on the type of infrastructure you use. On-premise infrastructure has been the traditional method where your hardware, software, and data storage are managed onsite. This requires ample space for all your equipment as well as a dedicated IT team to control and maintain everything. Cloud computing on the other hand provides access to your necessary IT resources through the internet, eliminating the need for physical equipment onsite. In some cases, cloud computing and on-premise infrastructure can also be used together through a hybrid model, though this takes significant planning. Before you decide what kind of IT infrastructure your business needs though, you need to understand the unique differences between them.
Cost
Deciding between cloud computing and on-premise infrastructure takes careful consideration. This starts with ensuring your solution fits within your budget. Remember that IT is an investment that helps keep your business protected and running smoothly. On-premise infrastructure requires a higher upfront cost as you’ll need to purchase your own servers, network racks, and cooling solutions. And as your business grows, your IT equipment will also need to be upgraded to keep up.
Cloud computing on the other hand typically uses a subscription-based model where businesses pay a monthly fee for as long as they use these services. This solution removes the base costs of equipment, storage, and cooling systems on-premise infrastructure requires. The cloud provider should also take care of any upgrades or maintenance and not charge you extra for those services. However, you do not own any of the infrastructure or systems. What the service provider has is what you get.
Deployment
Implementing on-premise solutions into your IT infrastructure takes careful planning. Your business must have the necessary space, power, and cooling systems to support the amount of equipment you will need. On-premise infrastructure will also need to be installed and maintained by IT professionals to ensure it is always operating as it should be. As a result, deployment may take weeks while you wait on the equipment and make the necessary preparations in your space.
Deployment can often be a dreaded process as it takes time away from your daily business operations. Cloud computing drastically reduces physical deployment time. Instead of purchasing and housing your own servers, you install cloud computing software and resources on your current equipment. The cloud service providers house and maintain the servers in a different location while still granting you access to the resources you need. There is still a significant configuration and training time required for cloud solutions.
Security
Keeping your sensitive data secure is vital to your business’ operations and reputation. This protection starts with your IT infrastructure. On-premise infrastructure offers business owners complete control over their physical equipment and network. This puts the power in your hands, letting you decide who has access to your IT infrastructure, how they can access it, and where they can access it from. Complete control also makes you responsible for ensuring software patches, upgrades, and security configurations are all up to date. While this level of control can be appealing, some businesses may find it overwhelming to keep track of all these security measures or they may not have the resources to hire an in-house IT team to do so.
Cloud computing takes some of the responsibility of protecting your IT systems off your shoulders. For starters, cloud providers encrypt your data and perform rigorous security checks to ensure your information is always secure. These solutions also utilize automatic updates to ensure every piece of your IT infrastructure is able to stand up against the latest cybersecurity threats. Before implementing cloud computing, ensure that your chosen system supports security measures like single sign-on and multifactor authentication to further protect your data from cybercriminals.
Scalability
As your business grows, your IT infrastructure will need to as well. This can be expensive for on-premise infrastructures since scaling up means purchasing more equipment and making more room for it. Not to mention upgrading on-premised infrastructure requires the same careful planning and implementation as when the system was initially set up. Since cloud computing doesn’t require onsite infrastructure or space to operate, it is able to change to fit your needs very easily. Upgrading your cloud computing subscription plan is also less expensive than having to purchase new physical equipment. And instead of having to search for on-premise infrastructure that works with your current systems, you can use the one-size-fits-all cloud computing applications that will do the job just as well.
Maintenance
Like all other technologies, on-premise infrastructure requires regular hardware and network maintenance to ensure it can meet your business’ growing needs. However, not just anyone should handle your sensitive IT equipment. You need an experienced IT team to take care of your IT infrastructure and prevent small inefficiencies from becoming major problems. Whether you hire an in-house IT team or outsource, this will require even more expenses to maintain all your devices.
Similar to on-premise infrastructure, cloud computing systems require expert monitoring and maintenance. Cloud providers will typically handle these services and communicate with you when updates are made to improve efficiency or security. Many cloud computing providers also use a management dashboard to give businesses the ability to communicate with them directly about concerns or possible upgrades. This way businesses are kept in the loop about their cloud computing measures without taking complete responsibility for ensuring they are always running optimally.
Benefits of Managed Network Services
Deciding between on-premise infrastructure and cloud computing systems requires careful consideration, especially for small businesses that may have fewer resources to run everything. Regardless of which IT system you end up using, you need reliable IT infrastructure. This is where managed network services come in. Outsourced IT professionals monitor, manage, and secure your on-site or cloud network. Instead of having to pay for an entire in-house team to keep their IT equipment running perfectly, businesses can pay a monthly fee for professional assistance whenever they need it. Managed network services are designed to take the complexity out of maintaining on-premise infrastructure and cloud computing so small businesses can save money and have reliable IT systems.
Ready to Take Your IT Infrastructure to the Next Level?
A reliable IT infrastructure is vital to keep your business operations running at all times. Whether you chose to use an on-premise, cloud computing, or hybrid model for your IT systems, you need to ensure all of your sensitive data is secure. Sign-up for our free e-course to receive weekly lessons on how to manage your IT resources and strengthen your cybersecurity efforts.
