For the last many years, more and more enterprises are migrating to cloud computing. So what is a cloud? Simply put, the cloud is a network of remote servers connected through the internet. Clouds can provide services over public and private clouds. In today’s world, thriving enterprises always look for ways to optimize costs, improve security, accessibility, flexibility and compatibility. And that’s why many businesses are switching to the cloud as it helps achieve business processes optimization. 

Cloud computing also gives predictability of cost and ability to deploy quickly, and scalability. Many providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform offer various cloud services. They provide services such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Anything-as-a-Service (XaaS) is another emerging model it offers like Database, Security, Identity and Network as service. 

On-Premise Vs. Cloud Deployment

The cloud has disrupted the server market significantly. IT leaders now have a choice which one would serve their interest more On-premise or Cloud? There can be many different parameters for comparison but let’s make a comparison based on the most important factors such as security, cost, scalability and accessibility. Cloud lacks the level of customizations it offers as compared on-site. 

Security

In today’s world, threats are complex, and security solutions are mostly one step behind attackers. Traditional data centers and on-premises are often at a disadvantage especially on-premise servers, because of their physical proximity. Poorly built or managed systems put the entire system at risk, and it’s of utmost importance for sectors such as healthcare, education and finance. These sectors have stringent compliance regulations to meet, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), respectively. Leading cloud providers not only meet these standards but also invest heavily in security to alleviate fear.

Cost

Businesses have to be cost-conscious in this competitive time, and tech infrastructure can add up quickly. So let’s make one time and recurring cost comparison between on-premise and cloud. While tech advancement has brought down the prices and on-premise software but dedicated, on-premise servers are still costly. Then again, keeping your data secure and accessible, your server needs to be constantly updated to handle all the relevant requests. So it’s not only an on-time cost but also a recurring cost of upgrading hardware and adding ancillary requirements such as cooling, wiring and processors. In contrast, cloud cost is predictable and can be budgeted and kept up to date by cloud providers.

Scalability

For any growing business, it is vital to have the right infrastructure that scales with the business. It is essential for every aspect of a business to scale up to support increased demand be it, logistics, accounting, production or personnel. On-premise servers too are scalable, but it costs. Scaling on-premise servers means buying new servers and sometimes even property to host that server and cabling, internet pipeline and HVAC systems. While scaling your cloud is pretty easy, all you need to do is adjust your subscription. 

Accessibility

When we compare with respect to accessibility, there are key differences. Due to rapid tech advancement, physical servers get aged quickly, and keeping them up to date is a major undertaking. On top of that, you will need dedicated software for dedicated servers and keep them updated too. Accessibility is multifaceted, but on-site servers may have a slight advantage in this respect. But here, too, cloud providers are responsible for vendor updates and the cost is divided between clients, thus reducing individual costs. Keep in mind that some traditional software can only be assessed by a specific device while cloud ease of access to your team members from anywhere anytime. 

Not only this but backup, data recovery, redundancy and RAID needs consideration while deciding whether to go for cloud or on-site solutions to support growth. 

Comparing Cloud Services  AWS, GCP & MS Azure

Amazon, Microsoft and Google are top-ranking public cloud service providers. They are considered providers of the most reliable, safest and flexible cloud services. They offer clients a vast array of storage, networking and computing options. Naturally, there are some basic features such as auto-scalability, self-service, identity management, security, compliances and auto-provisioning that are the same on these providers but some specialized features offered by some providers. 

Amazon’s AWS has a clear first-mover as well as market leaders’ advantage offering 175 services across compute, storage, database, analytics and mobile developers tools. Microsoft Azure is a popular choice of C-level executives due to long-standing relationships and is considered a strong number two to AWS. Google Cloud Platform is considered particularly strong for its expertise in open-source technologies, especially containers. They have played a central role in the development of Kubernetes. 

Summing Up

The adoption of the cloud has become a force multiplier for businesses. IaaS, where providers maintain all the needs of infrastructure on behalf of customers in a highly scalable environment.  But to correct a choice of service, honest and open insight from a technology partner who has extensive experience in working with service providers. We at Rao Information Technology have vast experience in migrating, re-architecturing or transforming systems. We provide the right solution for your organization’s current and future needs. 

Looking for Custom Cloud-based Software Solutions? Get in touch with Rao Information Technology now!