Choosing Between Cloud, Hybrid and On-Premise

When you want to keep up to date with the latest computing platforms, stay ahead of your competition with the newest technology, or simply find the right solution for your business, it can be difficult task if you don’t really know what you’re looking for, or what you need.
We want to make sure you choose the right style of computing for your company, so you can run your business in the most efficient way possible. That starts with understanding the difference between Cloud, Hybrid and On-Premise, and choosing the best option for you.
In this article, we are going to look at what they really mean, along with the pros and cons of each, helping to make your decision a little easier.

What are they?

On-Premise
We probably all know and have experience with desktop applications and on-premise servers; they’ve been in our offices and our homes for years! On-premise simply refers to a computer system that has been designed to work solely within a single office location, with all data, documents, programs and applications all stored locally with each machine and on a local server.
Cloud
More and more businesses are using cloud computing to revolutionise and update their company. Utilising the cloud gives you the ability to store and access data over the internet, using servers in off-site location rather than a local drive or personal computer.
Hybrid
Hybrid computing combines the best of on-premise and cloud technology; allowing businesses to give their customers a better insight into their project whilst also ensuring staff have complete access and control over data.

The benefits of each

On Premise

• Unlike cloud and hybrid, on-premise doesn’t completely rely on the internet to give users access to data and projects
• Data is stored in one place and you have control over that space
• Reliable security that you can see
• Accustomed to the productivity capabilities

Cloud

• Quick and easy to download software and applications, as it is done using the browser, and these are upgraded automatically
• Can access data from anywhere, using any device at any time
• Expandable server and storage space, as and when required

Cloud can be split into two separate sections:
Public:

• No hardware or maintenance costs as you use a shared hardware owned and operated by a third party
• Quick and easy to install and operate IT resources as and when you need them, making it ideal if you have unpredictable demands

Private

• Hosted on site or at a provider centre
• Just as flexible and efficient as the public cloud, but with a higher amount of control over security. This makes private cloud perfect for businesses who look after confidential data or comply to strict regulations
• You can design a bespoke infrastructure to suit your specific computing, storage and networking needs

Hybrid

• You can combine the best of on-premise and cloud computing to achieve an efficient and flexible solution for your business
• Easy to download software and more bespoke options for applications
• No matter where you are or what device you are using, you can store, create and collaborate on your data and projects
• Can be highly cost effective, as you don’t require full expensive, in-house IT systems
• Can offer comprehensive back up and data recovery solutions

The downsides of each

On-Premise

• Typically require a large amount of memory and speed if you want to install larger applications
• Time consuming to download and upgrade your software
• Can only access your data from one place
• Expensive hardware and pricey software licenses
• Desktop applications installed on a local drive increase demand on a computer’s resources, often requiring increased maintenance

Cloud

• Fully reliant on the internet in terms of being able to access, comment on and update data and content
• When storing data you are given an allocated space; moving data to and from this space can demand a great amount of bandwidth which isn’t always guaranteed
• Can be seen as being less secure than on-premise

Hybrid

• Elements rely on the internet; if the connection is down, you may be unable to access data
• You’ll need to make sure you have an effective workflow set up to ensure you can always meet the demands of customers
• Managing both private and public cloud can be more complex than managing one singular system

Making the decision

Typically, hybrid is the choice for most businesses, because you are given the best of both on-premise and cloud. A hybrid solution could allow on premise servers to run a business application that is not suitable for the cloud, or store sensitive data that you don’t want to put in the cloud, whilst still taking advantage of cloud-based, cost-effective productivity applications and off-site backup solutions.
However, no business is the same and this is why it is important to weigh up the pros and cons and how they will specifically impact your company. The way your business operates can determine the type of systems you require, which is why here at Paralogic, we are committed to finding every business the right solutions for their needs.
So, if you need help deciding between Cloud, Hybrid and On-Premise, speak to one of our expert advisors today on 01844 293330 or read more about cloud computing here.