On-Premises vs Cloud Hosting: Making the Right Choice for Your Organization

Data storage has come a long way since the days of floppy disks and tape drives. Today, organizations have two main options for storing their data: on-premises and cloud storage. While both options have their advantages, it is important for decision-makers to understand the differences between them in order to make the best decision for their data storage needs.

On-premises storage refers to storing data on physical hardware located within an organization’s own facilities. Cloud storage refers to storing data on remote servers maintained and operated by a third-party provider.

With on-premises storage, organizations have complete control over their data and the hardware that it is stored on. This includes the ability to configure the hardware to meet their specific needs, manage the storage environment, and ensure data security. However, on-premises storage can be expensive, as organizations need to invest in the hardware and software required to store their data. They also need to allocate resources to maintain the hardware and software, which can be a time-consuming and ongoing cost.

Cloud storage, on the other hand, refers to storing data on remote servers that are maintained and operated by a third-party provider. The main advantage of cloud storage is that it is highly scalable. Organizations can easily increase or decrease the amount of storage they need as their data storage requirements change. This form of hosting storage also allows the third-party provider to update software remotely and in a much quicker manner than if it was stored onsite. Cloud storage is also typically paid for on a subscription basis, making it more cost-effective for organizations, especially those with fluctuating storage needs. Cloud storage also allows access to various levels of authority. For example, the executive team will have access to all the information and have the option to allow different levels of access for other employees or departments.

It is important to consider the level of security that is provided by on-premises and cloud storage. With on-premises storage, organizations have complete control over the security of their data and the hardware that it is stored on. They can implement their own security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls, to ensure the protection of their data. This can be helpful when an organization has specific requirements for data storage. In contrast, many cloud storage providers offer robust security measures, making it easier for organizations to ensure the protection of their data. However, it is important for organizations to thoroughly research and understand the security measures that are in place before entrusting their data to a cloud storage provider.

There is not one right way to store important data. After weighing the pros and cons of each way to store data, you can make a more informed decision about how your organization wants to proceed. In recent years people have stopped shying away from cloud storage and have chosen a cloud or hybrid-cloud model. A hybrid-cloud model is a mix of both on-premises and cloud data storage so you can get the best of both worlds.