When you’re debating on premises vs cloud, there’s no right or wrong option—only choices that may or may not align with your business objectives. To achieve data safety, growth, or saving money, you have options. You can choose on premises solutions, cloud solutions or a combination of both to ensure lasting success and stability. That’s what we like to call, peace of mind.
Re-prioritizing to align your technology choices with strategic goals is crucial because your IT infrastructure directly affects your ability to protect data, maintain continuity, and adapt to challenges with strong security measures in place.
If data loss protection is a priority, let’s focus on exploring the best options to align your IT infrastructure.
What is the difference between on premises and cloud?
On premises computing refers to the on-site data servers that are owned and operated privately—by you. You buy it, you own it and you have control over who can access the data you store there, how it is used, and the services provided in its IT infrastructure.
On premises computing offers strong security measures because data is kept on-site and you retain full control over your IT setup, allowing for customized solutions that meet specific business needs.
However, it comes with higher CapEx costs—which can be tough for smaller businesses—, and requires significant effort to manage and maintain. Scaling can be tricky, and finding the right IT talent to run the IT infrastructure and keep security measures up to date can be a challenge.
Cloud computing: A global village solution for your IT infrastructure
Cloud computing offers many benefits like flexible and scalable IT infrastructure that can enhance your business operations globally. Unlike on-premises solutions, working with a cloud service provider (CSP) reduces capital costs and provides access to top-tier IT expertise. You can scale capacity quickly, maintain robust security measures with automated backups, and expand your reach to connect with customers and partners worldwide.
However, it’s important to understand the potential pitfalls. Ensuring your CSP complies with regulatory mandates is crucial, especially for handling sensitive data. While cloud computing can simplify software provisioning and security, it’s essential to implement cloud-smart practices to protect your data effectively and ensure strong security measures.
Is on premises safer than the cloud?
When it comes to data loss protection, cost and security are the two biggest considerations. Balancing these two considerations means going back to your business plan to review your goals. If you need the capacity and flexibility of cloud, a good rule of thumb is to implement the best data protection you can afford. Plan for the inevitability of an attack and put measures in place to recover quickly and mitigate damage. BaaS (Backup-as-a-Service) and DRaaS (Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service), when deployed as part of your cloud-smart plan, are highly effective in data loss protection.
If security and compliance are your main considerations, on premises might be for you, but only if the advantages outweigh the costs, which can be prohibitive. For large global organizations where security is paramount, on premise can be a good option.
Understanding IT infrastructure alignment: A cloud-smart plan for data protection and strong security measures
To make a cloud-smart data protection plan, you need to consider how cloud security and digital transformation work together to accelerate your business. When you first define your business goals, you can then implement cloud security best practices that support and optimize your cloud computing options and help you decide between on premise and cloud.
Let’s look at some data loss protection best practices for each model:
On premises
Data Protection Outcome: Enhanced control
On premises infrastructure allows for direct oversight and control over data protection mechanisms, ensuring that sensitive data is managed securely according to internal policies and regulatory requirements.
Tips for IT infrastructure and data protection alignment:
- Strong security measures: Use firewalls, encryption, and regular security patches to safeguard data.
- Regular backups: Schedule regular backups and ensure they are stored securely, both on-site and off-site.
- Compliance readiness: Ensure that your on premises solutions comply with industry regulations and standards by conducting regular audits and assessments.
- Disaster Recovery Planning: Develop and test a comprehensive disaster recovery plan to ensure rapid recovery in case of data loss or breaches.
Cloud computing
Data Protection Outcome: Reliable security, efficient recovery, seamless continuity
Cloud providers offer advanced, scalable data protection solutions that can adapt to the growing needs of your business, including encryption, threat detection, and automated backups. A cloud service provider will also ensure seamless cloud migration.
Tips for IT infrastructure and data protection alignment:
- Select a reputable provider: Choose a cloud provider with strong security credentials and industry relevant compliance certifications.
- Leverage built-in security tools: Use the cloud provider’s built-in security features such as encryption, access controls, and monitoring.
- Regularly review policies: Continuously review and update your data protection policies to align with cloud security best practices and compliance requirements.
- Monitor and audit: Use cloud management tools to monitor data access and conduct regular audits to ensure data protection measures are effective.
Cloud or nothing? How about both! Get the best of both worlds with hybrid cloud computing
If you find that on premises vs cloud computing isn’t the whole story to help you meet your objectives, why not try a hybrid approach? Your organization stores many kinds of data. Sensitive data might be better off kept in-house, but the rest of it can be moved to the cloud. This option combines your need for security and compliance with the power and flexibility of cloud computing, and allows you to seamlessly and securely move data between the cloud and your on premise servers. And if hybrid is your jam, look for a CSP that won’t charge ingress and egress fees to move your data.
Hybrid: Where on premises meets cloud
Data Protection Outcome: Optimized flexibility
A hybrid approach combines the control of on premises solutions with the scalability of cloud services, allowing businesses to tailor data protection strategies for different types of data and apps, and reinforce data loss protection methods.
Tips for IT infrastructure and data protection alignment:
- Define data segmentation: Determine which data should remain on premises and which can be moved to the cloud based on sensitivity, compliance requirements, and performance needs.
- Ensure seamless integration: Implement integration solutions to ensure that data protection measures work across both on premises and cloud environments.
- Unified security policies: Develop and enforce consistent security policies across all environments to ensure comprehensive protection.
- Monitor hybrid performance: Use hybrid cloud management tools to monitor data protection across both on premises and cloud systems, ensuring that all components work together effectively.
On premise, cloud, or hybrid: Making the right choice for your business
Aligning IT infrastructure with business goals is crucial for growth and efficiency. Whether opting for on premises, cloud, or hybrid solutions, each has unique benefits and risks. Understanding your business goals and working with a cloud expert to accelerate your business will help take the risk out of your digital advantage.
Let ThinkOn help you make sense of cloud computing and data protection. Check out our cloud security resources page.