Definition
An on-premises software is any program installed and run within a company’s physical facilities or data centers. This is in contrast to Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud-based solutions, which are typically hosted by third-party cloud providers and retrieved via the web.
On-premises Software Benefits
The main advantage of using on-premises software is data security. A company has complete ownership and management over on-premises applications since the data is processed and stored within its infrastructure. This simplifies the process of safeguarding data and compliance with legal requirements.
Furthermore, it is hard to physically meddle with or spy on on-premises software because access to host hardware is restricted to persons who have the right clearance within the organization. In contrast, third-party data centers may host software from various organizations on the same or nearby servers.
Lastly, on-premises software may be tailored comprehensively to fit your particular needs. For instance, tweaking configurations is very simple if the company wishes to upgrade its hardware.
On-premises Software Disadvantages
On-premises software is more expensive upfront than off-the-shelf options because it needs to be hosted within the company’s own facilities. The business must have sufficient server infrastructure, buy appropriate equipment, and obtain the software licenses.
These expenses include maintenance. Organizations must have sufficient workers or establish enough service level agreements to maintain the physical hardware and deal with software issues, which can result in significant downtime if not addressed promptly. On the other hand, cloud solutions or SaaS solutions have their own IT specialists to handle arising problems.
