In today’s world of mergers, acquisitions, and changing business trends, on-premise solutions are aging more rapidly – that is, requiring costly maintenance, support, and patches. Data centers are an alternative that can help your business by offering a customized, dedicated system with full control over equipment, data, and security.
So, what are some of the major differences between on-premise and data centers?
Security and Data Protection
An on-premise solution can offer secure data protection in terms of physical control (since the hardware is internally housed and accessed). On-premise solutions, however, frequently lack the security benefits, monitoring, latest technology, and scalability features of a data center. Data centers serve multiple companies and spread the cost and technical knowledge across this base.
Data centers are built with security in mind. Protection against environmental disasters, power loss, and security breaches are built in. On-premise security, in contrast, is only as good as the IT resource who set it up.
Users have full access to the data center at all times, whether through a virtual private network or other means, and even though this access is remote, it is often transparent to the user. In data centers, servers and software are easily upgraded, virtualized, or replaced to meet business demands.
Backup and Data Recovery
Ongoing management and preventative maintenance of backup systems can be challenging when managed in-house. Worse, it can go unnoticed in light of more pressing issues. Detailed planning and a high level of technical support are a necessity. Also, you may incur additional implementation costs for backup and data recovery services.
Data centers ensure that offsite servers, equipment, and applications remain available and operational at all times. A good data center will provide businesses with the option for a managed infrastructure solution that includes backup and recovery processes.
Cost
On-premise solutions require capital for hardware, software, and implementation. When combined with support, routine maintenance, and monthly facilities expenses, on-premise costs quickly add up. Replacements are needed every 3 to 5 years; neglecting replacement puts you at a risk of running your business on unsupported technology.
Data centers provide cost savings by reducing overall IT management costs, including taking on a majority of the capital expenses of building, securing, and maintaining an internal infrastructure. Changes to keep up with technology, such as switching to a new operating system, are often seamless with a data center.
Is your business looking to shift from an on-premise solution to a data center solution? What factors have you taken into consideration? What immediate benefits do you foresee?
The experts at Acuity would love to help your organization understand the options and make the switch! Contact us today for more information.
(Also, please read our related blog, Off Premise vs. Server Closet: Which Is Right for You?)
