--- title: "Off Premise vs. Server Closet: Which Is Right for You?" description: There are several options for managing your IT needs when IT is not your business. Start here to find the best solution for you. image: https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/Technician%20checking%20cables%20in%20a%20rack%20mounted%20server%20in%20server%20room.jpeg --- Learn more about how to choose the right ERP with our ERP Evaluations Series. [Learn More.](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) - [Home](https://www.teamacuity.biz/) - Software - [SAP Business One](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one) - [SAP Business One and AWS](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one-and-aws) - [Wisys Supply Chain Management](https://www.teamacuity.biz/wisys) - Services - [Success Methodology](https://www.teamacuity.biz/success-methodology) - [Consulting](https://www.teamacuity.biz/consulting) - [On-Going Support](https://www.teamacuity.biz/ongoing-support) - About - [About Acuity](https://www.teamacuity.biz/about-acuity) - [Careers](https://www.teamacuity.biz/careers) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Blog](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) - [Contact](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact-us) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) - [Home](https://www.teamacuity.biz/) - Software - [SAP Business One](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one) - [SAP Business One and AWS](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one-and-aws) - [Wisys Supply Chain Management](https://www.teamacuity.biz/wisys) - Services - [Success Methodology](https://www.teamacuity.biz/success-methodology) - [Consulting](https://www.teamacuity.biz/consulting) - [On-Going Support](https://www.teamacuity.biz/ongoing-support) - About - [About Acuity](https://www.teamacuity.biz/about-acuity) - [Careers](https://www.teamacuity.biz/careers) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Blog](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) - [Contact](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact-us) [![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png?width=166&height=89&name=file-1511926966.png "logo-top")](https://www.teamacuity.biz) # Off Premise vs. Server Closet: Which Is Right for You? By [Joseph Timmins](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) March 30, 2016 1 Minute Read As discussed [in our last post](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/it-management-options-to-support-your-erp), 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](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact) the experts at Acuity and let us help you determine the right setup to meet your business needs. [![How much consulting do you actually need cta](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/420229/ee53ef74-ef14-4210-a418-d553d8163a66.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/420229/ee53ef74-ef14-4210-a418-d553d8163a66) #### Joseph Timmins Author ## Recommended For You [![What Does “Hosted” Really Mean?](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/Saas%20Solution%20on%20the%20Mechanism%20of%20Metal%20Cogwheels..jpeg)](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/what-does-hosted-really-mean) 1 Min Read ### [What Does “Hosted” Really Mean?](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/what-does-hosted-really-mean) [Joseph Timmins May 3, 2016](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) [![How On-Premise Is Your Server?](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/Team%20of%20technicians%20using%20digital%20cable%20analyser%20on%20servers%20in%20large%20data%20center.jpeg)](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/how-on-premise-is-your-server) 1 Min Read ### [How On-Premise Is Your Server?](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/how-on-premise-is-your-server) [Joseph Timmins May 25, 2016](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) [![Can Your Solution Grow with Your Business?](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hubfs/ERP%20-%20Enterprise%20Resource%20Planning%20-%20Jigsaw%20Puzzle%20with%20Missing%20Pieces.%20Bright%20Green%20Background.%20Close-up.%203d%20Illustration..jpeg)](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/choosing-your-ideal-erp-solution) [ERP Solutions](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/topic/erp-solutions) 1 Min Read ### [Choosing Your Ideal ERP Solution](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/choosing-your-ideal-erp-solution) [Joseph Timmins February 3, 2016](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog/author/joseph-timmins) ![logo-top](https://www.teamacuity.biz/hs-fs/hub/420229/file-1511926966.png) 125 Whipple Street Providence, Rhode Island 02908 [401.243.8480](tel:401-243-8480) 877.361.6534 [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.twitter.com) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com) - [Home](https://www.teamacuity.biz/) - Software - [SAP Business One](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one) - [SAP Business One and AWS](https://www.teamacuity.biz/sap-business-one-and-aws) - [Wisys Supply Chain Management](https://www.teamacuity.biz/wisys) - Services - [Success Methodology](https://www.teamacuity.biz/success-methodology) - [Consulting](https://www.teamacuity.biz/consulting) - [On-Going Support](https://www.teamacuity.biz/ongoing-support) - About - [About Acuity](https://www.teamacuity.biz/about-acuity) - [Careers](https://www.teamacuity.biz/careers) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Resources](https://www.teamacuity.biz/resources-section) - [Blog](https://www.teamacuity.biz/blog) - [Contact](https://www.teamacuity.biz/contact-us)