Choosing between cloud or on-premises deployment is a big decision that organisations have to make. But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all deployment model that works for every organization. Although the cloud has been closing in on on-premises solutions and overtook them at the beginning of this decade, the best option for a business still depends upon its unique needs and requirements.
Deciding between either deployment model is a complex process, wherein several factors come into consideration. To make an informed decision, organizations need to understand the difference between on-premises and cloud deployment and where it fits into their mobile device management strategy.
What is On-premises Deployment?
On-premise refers to the method of deploying software within the confines of the organization. The data is stored in the company’s server where the IT staff is responsible for installing the maintaining the software. Because the physical hardware and software running on it is managed in-house, companies have more control–and responsible–for its accessibility and security.
What is Cloud Deployment?
Cloud deployment is the process of deploying a software application through different cloud computing service models, such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), or infrastructure as a service (IaaS).
Organizations can configure a cloud deployment model based on their needs. For instance, if companies want to maintain control over accessibility and ownership, they can choose between 4 main types of cloud models:
1. Public Cloud
The public cloud is offered by third-party providers over the public Internet, making them available to anyone who wants to use or purchase them.
2. Private Cloud
It is a model of cloud computing where the infrastructure is dedicated to a single user organization that wants to have an additional layer of security or customized option specific to their needs.
3. Community Cloud
It refers to a shared cloud computing service environment that is targeted to a limited set of organizations or employees. It allows multiple companies with similar development, security, management, and organizational needs to handle a single solution to reduce costs.
4. Hybrid Cloud
In a hybrid model, applications are running in a combination of different environments. Hybrid cloud computing approaches are popular because organizations cannot afford to rely on the public cloud.
Cloud Vs On-Premise MDM: Depends on Business Priorities
Before companies take the leap to choose the deployment of choice, the following table highlights the key differences between the two:
| Factors | Cloud | On-Premise |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | The data is stored on a third-party server or data center. Cloud services can be easily deployed since no on-site installation of hardware, or software is necessary. | The data and software are stored in-house. The hardware is managed in-house on company premises. Deployment can be complex and requires more IT involvement and longer time spans. |
| Control | IT teams can quickly access data, but third-party cloud services may not be reliable in case of any downtime on the cloud. | IT teams are responsible for uptime and troubleshooting downtime. They are in complete control of data and security management. |
| Security | Since data is stored in third-party data centers, companies do not have 100 percent control over their data and security. It is an opportunity cost for more convenience. Companies should choose cloud-based MDM solutions in which sensitive data is encrypted to provide ample security. | With MDM on-premises, sensitive data such as personal information, location details, and enterprise apps can be managed first-hand. When data is present on-premises, companies can ensure complete control over the security and privacy of data. |
| Scalability | It is one of the biggest benefits of the cloud. Companies can increase or decrease data storage capacity to meet changing demands. | Scaling on-premises comes at a cost. It requires additional hardware equipment and software to handle increasing workloads. An in-house team is needed to facilitate upgrades. |
| Compliance | Organizations must ensure that the MDM solution meets the regulatory mandates within their specific industries. Personal information of customers, employees, and partners should be secure and private to avoid paying penalties. | Certain industries, like healthcare, are heavily regulated, making compliance crucial. Organizations may require to store corporate information on-premises to address compliance practices. |
| Cost | Cloud infrastructure circumvents significant capital investments for setting up and installing hardware and software. | On-Premise infrastructure requires upfront capital. Additional costs include hardware maintenance, software updates, power consumption, and IT staff for maintenance. |
Cloud or On-Premises MDM: Pros and Cons
The main difference between cloud and on-premises deployment is there are no high upfront costs associated with the cloud. But with on-premises deployment, companies have more security. Companies can customize security settings and update the software on demand instead of waiting for a third party to do it for them.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Deployment | 1. No upfront capital investment of on-premise hardware and servers 2. Scalable based on usage and budget. 3. Reduces burden on IT resources | 1. Limited access to servers and infrastructure. 2. Relies on network connectivity. 3. Costs may increase with increased usage and bandwidth. |
| On-Premise Deployment | 1. Lower network bandwidth costs. 2. Greater security and privacy. 3. More control over server hardware. | 1. Large upfront capital investment to purchase servers and set up infrastructure. 2. Compliance responsibility falls on the organization. 3. Needs extra IT resources and administration overheads. Limits scalability. |
At this point, it’s clear that the advantages outweigh the limitations. Most organizations aren’t considering whether they migrate to the cloud but when and what they should migrate.
Wrapping Up
A cloud MDM solution is best for an enterprise to cut down on initial capital costs or prefer a monthly/annual subscription plan. In contrast, an on-premises solution works better if companies do not wish to share data with other entities due to strict security regulations. But it’s important to remember that the cloud delivers more flexibility and reliability, increased performance and efficiency, and helps to lower IT costs. Scalefusion MDM is available both as an on-premise as well as a cloud-based solution.
Schedule a live demo with our product experts to learn whether cloud or on-premise deployment is right for your business.
Please visit https://scalefusion.com/book-a-demo
