Cloud, on-premise or hybrid cloud: which model to choose
The differences between cloud, on-premise and hybrid cloud for servers, management software and data: costs, control, security and continuity.
Where should your management software, files and business applications run? Until a few years ago the answer was almost always "on the server in the office". Today there are three alternatives: on-premise, cloud or a hybrid model. There is no single right choice, only the one that best suits each business.
On-premise
Servers and data remain on the company's premises. This offers full control and high on-site performance, and is often necessary when machinery or production systems must keep working even without an Internet connection. In return, it requires investment in hardware, suitable space, update management and an off-site backup and continuity strategy.
Cloud
Resources are provided from an external data centre and paid for according to use. The main advantages: no hardware to buy, rapid scalability, access from anywhere and high infrastructure availability. Points to assess carefully include connection quality, long-term costs and where the data physically resides.
Hybrid cloud
This is the most common model among larger, well-structured companies: some components stay on-site, others move to the cloud. For example, management software and production systems on-premise, email and collaboration in the cloud, and backups replicated to an external data centre. It allows each workload to be placed where it runs best.
How to decide
- How reliable and fast is the connectivity at your sites?
- Which applications must keep working if the line goes down?
- Are there regulatory or contractual constraints on where data is located?
- Would you rather invest in hardware or have a predictable monthly cost?
- Who will manage systems, updates and security?
Our approach
Labinf Sistemi designs both on-premise infrastructure using technologies such as HPE and VMware and cloud services, and often combines the two. The starting point is an analysis of applications, data and users, not whichever model happens to be in fashion.
Thinking of moving your management software or servers to the cloud? Let's talk.
