In a world where everything and everyone is online, businesses have to keep up. While some businesses just leverage the power of the internet to establish their presence, others count on it for the entirety of their work. This is where servers come in. When the majority of your data and services are online, it is vital to decide onsite server or cloud server is better for your business model and size.
In this quick read, we dive into whether onsite or cloud servers are best for you and the pros and cons of each.
What the Heck are These Anyway?
First things first! If you are wondering which option to pick, it pays off to know the differences between the two.
Onsite server, also called on-premise server is the physical computing device that need to be installed in your physical office space. These servers back up your business data locally.
Cloud server, on the other hand, is not physically present within your office. The data backup process in these happens remotely, using the internet.
Pros and Cons
Both these methods make it possible for businesses of any size to back up their data periodically. However, there certainly are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Onsite servers
In case of onsite servers, the management has complete access to company data because there is no involvement of another party. Sensitive data stays protected this way. This ensures better compliance with data laws.
Another advantage is that even in case of internet issues from your service provider (ISP), your data backup can function normally because you don’t need an internet connection! Applications and software that you use do not need to be the latest, cloud-compatible version with onsite servers.
The disadvantage, however, is that upfront costs are associated with the installations on site. You would also need dedicated space for the setup to run. For small businesses, they also bring the disadvantage of keeping an in-house IT personnel for downtime and other emergencies.
The biggest risk you face is losing your data in case of a fire, short-circuits, water leakage or a natural disaster.
Cloud Servers
Cloud servers eliminate the requirement for physical installations in the office and let you enjoy more office space. That also means your IT team does not have to manage them, so they can focus on other tasks.
You can upgrade or downgrade as you need. Buy more or less server space according to your website traffic and business goals.
For many companies, cloud servers can prove to be more cost-effective because malfunctions and uptime are the service provider’s responsibilities. They are easy to setup and eliminate the need for maintenance.
However, one of the most obvious disadvantages here is restricted direct access to the server. Hence, the increased dependence on the IT service provider.
Still confused about which option to pick? Server Support Services by XllenTech can assist you in making the right choice that complements your current business needs and future projections.