Six points to consider when choosing between a cloud or on-premise server for your business.

It’s time for a new server. But which way should you go – a cloud or an on-premise server? There are six main points to consider when choosing – Space, Cost, Security, Accessibility, Storage and Backups. So let’s take a look.

1. PHYSICAL SPACE

When it comes to requiring space for your new server, the cloud option is the clear winner. There is no need to find a suitable location within your office to house the new server.

2. COSTS

Comparing costs on cloud v on-premise, the results are much of a muchness. This outcome will solely depend on your business and your cashflow.

Whilst a cloud-based server does not require any initial hardware outlay, there are ongoing fees associated with it, as well as the costs that come from requiring a strong, reliable internet connection to maintain access.

With an on-premise server, there is a large initial outlay to purchase the hardware and get it set up; after that, the only ongoing costs are to your IT department to maintain it – no monthly fees and no need for the internet to access your data.

3. SECURITY

Again, this one will come down to your business. With a cloud server – the server provider will generally supply all the firewalls and antivirus software and maintain these for you. With an on-premise server, you will need to organise and support these yourself, which may be a burden for some small companies, but not an issue for companies with their own IT departments.

4. ACCESSIBILITY

Deciding on how accessibility will affect you will have a lot to do with your organisation’s industry. With a cloud server, you can access your data from anywhere with an internet connection; this is a massive benefit for any businesses that operates outside of a traditional four-wall office building, e.g. construction sites. However, the on-premise solution does not require the internet to access your information, so if the internet is down, your staff are still able to work in the office.

5. STORAGE

Cloud servers are the clear winner in this category. With cloud servers, you can upgrade or downgrade as your business requires. To gain more storage for your on-premise server, you will generally have to make a further investment in additional hardware, whilst downgrading is not a possibility if you decide you don’t need as much storage as you first anticipated.

6. BACKUPS

Backups are essential for your business(if you don’t know why – read our blog HERE).

Both server types have pros and cons in this section.
If you want the ability to initiate backups from anywhere in the world – the cloud server is the way to go; however, you do need an internet connection to make it happen. No internet = no access.
If you prefer more physical control over your backups, the ability to initiate them, watch it complete and then take the backup off-site with you at night, on-premise is the way to go. The only negative for on-site backups is they are more susceptible to data loss due to human error (forgetting to run the backups) and natural disasters (the office floods, and the server gets wiped out).

Whilst there is no definitive winner in the Cloud vs On-Premise Server debate, I hope that these tips can help you make the right decision for your business. When choosing, you should carefully consider all of the above factors to help you make the right choice. As always, Thrive is here to help; if you would like to discuss your individual circumstances further, give our team of experts a call on 1300 868 474.

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