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Cloud vs. On-Premise: Choosing the Best IT Infrastructure for Your Business

Written by Insights by ThoughtMate Systems | Apr 30, 2024 4:30:00 AM

In today’s digital-first world, choosing between cloud and on-premise infrastructure is one of the most important IT decisions your business can make. Both options offer unique benefits, but the right choice depends on your business needs, budget, and long-term goals.

What Is Cloud Infrastructure?

Cloud infrastructure refers to computing services—like servers, storage, databases, and applications—delivered over the internet. These resources are hosted by third-party providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, and are accessed on-demand via subscription.

What Is On-Premise Infrastructure?

On-premise infrastructure involves hosting your servers and applications locally, within your company’s physical environment. You manage and maintain all hardware, software, and security systems internally.

“Cloud offers flexibility and scalability, while on-premise provides control and customization. The right choice depends on your business’s priorities.”

Key Differences Between Cloud and On-Premise

Feature

Cloud

On-Premise

Deployment

Hosted remotely by provider

Installed on local servers

Cost Model

Subscription/pay-as-you-go

Upfront capital investment

Scalability

Highly scalable

Limited by hardware capacity

Maintenance

Managed by provider

Managed by internal IT team

Security

Shared responsibility model

Fully controlled in-house

Accessibility

Accessible from anywhere

Limited to physical network