Cloud (SaaS) vs On-premises Software. Which is Best for Smart Streetlight Management?

Cloud (SaaS) vs On-premises Software. Which is Best for Smart Streetlight Management?

Cloud (SaaS) vs On-premises Software. Which is Best for Smart Streetlight Management?

  • Posted by SolutionsTeam
  • On March 20, 2022
  • 0 Comments

On-premises software is physically installed at an organization’s location, on their hardware. Cloud or SaaS software is hosted in a cloud service provider’s server. Which is the best option, and why?

What is on-premises software?

On-premises (on-prem) software is physically installed in an organization’s location. The application and its data are stored on its servers. The organization is responsible for maintaining the hardware and software. This software is “bought” by the end customer, with or without a maintenance and support contract.

What is cloud service software?

Normally cloud SaaS (Software as a Service) is hosted in a cloud service provider’s (such as Amazon’s AWS, Microsoft’s Azure) or software vendor’s own server. The application and its data are stored in the cloud. The vendor who is delivering the service is responsible for maintaining the hardware and software. This kind of service is “subscribed” to by the end customer. SaaS utilizes the internet to deliver applications to its users.

Comparison

On-prem SoftwareCloud SaaS Application
DeploymentInstalled locally on company’s own hardwareHosted on vendor’s servers (private cloud) or a public cloud provider’s server (AWS, Azure, etc)
AccessAccessed from within company’s firewall or via VPNAccessed via the internet
Initial CostsHigh upfront investmentLower upfront investment
One-time perpetual license feeSubscription fee (monthly or annual)
You may need to purchase additional server and networking infrastructure and softwareEverything runs on the cloud vendor’s hardware
Additional costsCustomization & implementationNone
Hardware
IT personnel
Maintenance
Network infrastructure
RunningYou are responsible for everythingThe cloud vendor takes care of everything
You need to maintain all the hardware and software yourselfCloud vendor maintains all infrastructure
You may need dedicated client software to access the on-prem applicationApplications are accessed thru a web browser. No software required on the client.
Application may only run on desktop unless you have a private intranetApplication can be accessed from anywhere using browser on desktop, mobile or tablet
SecurityYou are responsible for keeping all server software and applications up-to-dateCloud vendor ensures all software is up-to-date
On-prem systems are more vulnerable to security breaches due to missed software updates and lack of dedicated security personnelCloud systems are less vulnerable due to more robust security policies and testing, and dedicated security personnel

How to choose between the two?

While choosing between these two depends on your availability of resources, budget, your organization’s future plans etc, the following may help you decide.

On-prem software could be an option:

  • If you already have the infrastructure in place and have plans to keep it, it might make sense to do an on-prem deployment
  • Your organization’s policies demand hosting the software within your premises
  • You do not have any constraints on the high upfront investment

Cloud service could be an option if:

  • You would like to avoid the huge upfront costs
  • You do not have an existing infrastructure that is supporting this kind of application
  • You want to move to a cloud model to save costs and free up resources
  • Your IT resources are limited
  • You are concerned about security

What is recommended for smart streetlight management software?

At Dhyan, we recommend going with the cloud option as it has significant advantages over on-prem:

  • Lowers your upfront costs, freeing budget for other development initiatives
  • Your IT resources are freed up thus saving additional costs
  • Security is enhanced as all software updates and security testing is handled by cloud vendor
  • It enables easy integration with other smart city applications
  • You don’t have to maintain the software and hardware, saving ongoing maintenance costs
  • You can access the system from anywhere through the internet
  • If you are a systems integrator, it saves a lot of time and money in maintaining different deployments

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