Making those big decisions that affect the success of your business isn’t an easy task. Behind every decision is the fear that maybe you’ve made the wrong choice, and maybe it will come back to bite you.
One choice you may be faced with at the moment is deciding on an on-site server(s) or opting for what is becoming quite the norm – cloud servers. The last thing you want to do is jump on a trend just because other companies are doing it, but at the same time, you certainly don’t want to be left behind and miss out on an opportunity that can boost your company.
To help you make the decision, here’s a look at the top factors to be aware of when choosing between on-site servers and cloud servers.
On-Site Servers 101
Let’s begin by taking a look at the pros and cons of on-site servers. For those unfamiliar with what this is, it simply means that the servers that hold all the data for the business are located in the building. They are right there on-site. You can opt for outside IT support, or create your own in-house IT department.
As for the pros, the one that really stands out is ease of access should you choose to upgrade the server itself. It’s right there in your building, so it makes things easy. Also, you are dealing with a fixed cost; there is no monthly payment or fees to maintain cloud storage.
In terms of the cons for on-site servers, the big one is the expense. These servers are very expensive to upgrade so it may not be in the budget. Also, there can be all kinds of issues that arise, and then it falls on your shoulders – more specifically the IT department – to quickly remedy the problems. In that sense, the fees can be a bit of a question mark. Then there is the sheer fact that these on-site servers take up a fair amount of space, energy to run them, and they need to be kept cool.
Cloud Servers 101
When it comes to cloud servers, all your information and data is stored in the cloud, meaning there is nothing physical in your actual building. The idea is that you are able to back up and store all data, and then have it accessible to anyone anytime, since location isn’t a limiting factor. When you store things in the cloud, you will be using specific services and software that make it possible and run off the internet.
As for the pros, the big one is the fact that you don’t have a big clunky server to deal with in your office space. And by using IT support solutions from companies like Evolvtec, tech support is something that is always available, which means you won’t be the one dealing with the issues. The servers are monitored, data is accessible 24/7, and there is the ability to share files.
In terms of the cons, the biggest is that there are ongoing monthly costs/fees to contend with.
By having this information before you, you’re able to make an informed decision.
