As discussed in our last post, there are options for managing your IT needs when IT is not your business. These include off premise alternatives – hosted, public cloud, and private cloud. Shifting off premise may be a difficult choice if you prefer the security and “control” of in house servers, but when done correctly, off premise is a secure, viable option. Maintaining a server closet full of equipment, in fact, is a more risky and expensive option than you think.
So, which should you choose – off premise or a server closet?
There is no “one size fits all,” so let’s take a look at some pros and cons.
For an off premise IT solution, pros and cons include:
Pros
- Cost-effective (less onsite hardware and/or capital expenses)
- Easily scalable (you pay only for what is needed)
- Anytime, anywhere access to data
- Encryption and authentication for data security
- Regular backups, updates (virus, spam, malware) for insurance
- Managed FOR you, not BY you
Cons
- Access to system and data is dependent on the internet connection
- User experience is limited to the speed of that connection
- Desktop help is still required and will be separate from server level support
For an in house IT solution, pros and cons include:
Pros
- Physical control over your servers
- Critical data is kept in-house (no third party access)
- No need to rely on an Internet connection for daily data access
Cons
- Requires capital investment in hardware in infrastructure
- Requires office space for racks and server equipment
- More susceptible to data loss during disaster situations and equipment damage
- You must create and implement your own data backup and update plans
- Some level of internet still required (remote access, updates, backup systems)
- More involved IT management demands on the organization
Unsure about making a choice? Contact the experts at Acuity and let us help you determine the right setup to meet your business needs.
