Comparison of In-House On-Premise Hosting To Cloud Migration Approaches and Strategies
Whether you are working in the world of technology or not, on-premise computing vs. cloud migration approaches and services might have come across your mind. Regardless of your company’s current level of technology advancement, understanding the difference between cloud computing and on-premise architecture will help you make the best decision.
Probably, you might have been using on-premise infrastructure to run your business. But now you are thinking of cloud migration services. Before migrating to the cloud, increased knowledge of the core differences will make it easy for you to achieve efficient IT management operations.
Besides, the technologies you use and how you use them have a lot to do with your business’s future survival and profitability.
Benefits of A Cloud Migrations Approach
- Cost-effective IT management
- Seamless technology integrations
- On-demand remote access
- Scalable computing systems
- Improved IT security
- Pay-as you use billing model
- Faster technology deployment
The Difference Between On-Premise Computing vs. Cloud Migration Approaches And Strategies
First things first, the definition.
What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the systematic hosting and delivery of computer resources, services, databases, servers, and analytics through the internet (cloud). In some practical sense, it is as good as renting the technological tool you need to run your business instead of buying it. If you leverage some of the best managed IT services companies, you may experience all or some of the benefits mentioned above.
What is on-premise computing?
On-premise computing is a model of hosting, running, and managing computer system operations within the premises of an organization. To host network, storage, and applications based on this model, you must purchase the physical machines needed to run them.
Besides the computer systems and resources, you’ll also need the power to run on-premise operations.
Below are some of the core differences between on-premise and cloud migration.
Infrastructure Deployment
Deployment of the networking tools and software needed to run an enterprise is not the same when it comes to on-premise vs. cloud. With the cloud computing model, you are tapping into existing resources, especially hardware. Being a demand-driven model, migrating to the cloud will give you a higher level of operational flexibility. As for on-premise, you need to buy every piece of hardware required to run your IT-dependent services.
Operating Cost
Depending on the size of a business and the nature of IT operations, the cost of acquiring hardware is always expensive. Besides hardware cost, on-premise computing needs power and cooling systems to run smoothly for a long time. Add the cost of hiring IT experts to work within your office location, and the whole adds up significantly. Meanwhile, these are a few cost items you will not have to experience when leveraging cloud migration services to improve your operational efficiency.
Another thing worth mentioning is that cloud computing uses an on-demand billing model.
That means your company will only pay for resources used instead of paying for installed capacity that may be idle for a long time. Most times, the cost of cloud migration and operation processes is more predictable.
You can always scale up or down as you want.
IT Security
Every on-premise data center is prone to the risks of fire outbreaks, theft, natural disaster, and accidental damage. If such incidents occur, the data stored in an on-premise environment might be lost forever. Even when a backup system is in place, high-value data assets held in the cloud are never prone to most of the risks mentioned above. Assuming you don’t want to deal with the technical complexity of hiring IT security experts, moving to the cloud might be your best option.
Control Mechanism
Complete control of the entire computing system is another area where you’ll find differences between cloud computing and on-premise model. With on-premise, you’ll have a higher level of control over your IT operations infrastructure.
In contrast, public and private cloud systems are usually within the control of the cloud services provider. This issue of control mechanism means that your company has to every stipulated rule within a cloud environment. If you want to have complete control of everything, staying with the on-premise model might be your best option.
Customization Options
Here is one specific area where the factor of control mechanism plays a big role. Depending on the nature of the business model, some circumstances may warrant the need for software and operating process customization. In most cases, using the on-premise model will give you the opportunity for better customization.
Besides, this goes hand in hand with system integration. Even though it is possible to customize and integrate some systems on a cloud network, you’ll always find rigid rules that demand complete compliance. Especially in a public cloud network, you have to comply with the same rules as everyone else in the network.
The next best option is to consider going for private cloud migration. Technically, migrating to a private cloud model will give you the opportunity for seamless customization and integrations.
Final Thoughts Of On-Premise Computing vs Cloud Migration Services, Approaches and Strategies
As you can see, the two concepts are not the same. However, what we have discussed here are some of the differences. If you have been using the on-premise model, cloud computing services are worth exploring. Based on the pay-as-you-grow model, you don’t need a huge capital outlay to get started. In some cases, you’ll find cloud service providers that will allow you to test their systems, networks, and software before full deployment.
