You want to digitize work processes and don't yet know the differences between SaaS and on-premises? Are you wondering which is better? Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both variants!
In order to digitize work processes, the market offers a variety of software and solutions. There are basically two types here. Some, the so-called on-premises solutions, have to be installed locally on your computer. Others, the cloud solutions, are accessible via the Internet and store and process the data online.
Within this article you will find …
… what are the key differences between Cloud & On-Premises,
… which solution fits your needs
… and why the data is more secure when stored in a cloud rather than on own servers.
THE Cloud-solution: Software as a Service (SaaS)
Cloud-based solutions such as the seventhings Inventory Manager are offered in the form of „Software as a Service“. This means you pay a monthly or yearly amount for the service of using our software. With this model, you access the software, your data and computing capacity as well as the IT infrastructure via the internet. The software and structure of the IT is operated by a service provider. In short: As a customer, you use the services without having to worry about it or having to install the software.
"pretty neat if you ask me" - Moritz
... What is the Cloud and why is it exactly what I need?
The server is hosted via Cloud and the data is backed up externally without the need for IT staff or dedicated servers. Basically the Cloud can be seen as a computer/server by itself. It's just not located under your roof. Applications do not have to be installed on your systems. The IT-administrator will be very thankful, because this means no headaches over installing the software on every device or implementing rights management immediately. By the way it also saves a lot of time.
In addition, a cloud-based solution offers a simple updating process. You'll always have access to the latest versions and features, the software is always up to date. ITEXIA enables the individual adjustment of functions in the cloud-based app and the browser-based platform. All options are open, such as independently adapting individual text fields, storing additional information, images, graphics, handbooks, user manuals, ... or your own rights system.
Thanks to our cloud solution, numerous companies such as Bosch, Leica, Carl Zeiss AG or LVMH can already act much more flexible and agile. In this context, flexibility not only means independent of time and place, but also working without the operating systems being an obstacle. It doesn't matter whether the software or app is to be installed on Windows or Mac. The simple upgrade-option of SaaS also offers great potential. This means that upgrades can also be made after the software has already been purchased.
Not only flexible cost models, cloud use, and individually adjustable functions - seventhings is also known for an extensive customer support. This is done through direct contact and a great onboarding so that you are well prepared for using the software and questions are answered before they even pop into your mind. An extensive knowledge database that explains everything and supports you in the best possible way is a part of any great SaaS.
👉 You just want to know why you should trust us digitizing your inventory assets? You can have a look into our inventory guide to get to know what we do best. Just download as PDF and enjoy.
... is my data even safe when stored in the Cloud?
All data collected via the seventhings app and web interface is stored in the Fort Knox of data: The Open Telekom Cloud is located in a data center near Magdeburg, which is also the research site of a Fraunhofer Institute to measure energy consumption and resource efficiency to continuously perfect. In addition to the highest possible IT security standards, the TÜV-certified "Zero Outage" program guarantees maximum reliability & sustainability - the ideal partner for ITEXIA's claim!
Highest possible IT security standards means: the absolute maximum possible security standard, the pinnacle of cyber security, which is very difficult to achieve as a medium-sized company. And the best part? Everything climate neutral and sustainable!
On-Premises-solution "or not-solution"
With an in-house solution, the software is installed and operated in your company's network. All data is therefore hosted and administered internally. This allows you to access your data even without an internet connection. (*which is possible in our smartphone app offline mode as well, but pssst) Although your data is directly with you, that means you have to take care of the IT infrastructure and data security yourself.
At first glance, On-Prem seems to be the solution for companies that have high data protection requirements and want to have software permanently installed and only use it on their own server. However, the effort required to keep this environment absolutely up-to-date and secure is immense. Your own server and the associated IT staff must also be brought along. Especially in view of the fact that cybercrime is increasing dramatically worldwide and hacker attacks are now also aimed at smaller companies, hosting your own data entails one or two risks.
…with my On-Premises-solution I am more flexible! (?)
The main advantage of the on-premises solution is that you have everything in your own hands. However, this also entails a great responsibility that you have to provide the necessary security infrastructure, which, in the event of an accident, triggers the appropriate mechanisms within a very short time in order to provide a high level of protection against cybercrime 24/7. This is cumbersome, expensive and ties up a lot of IT resources.
With on-premises solutions, you are also independent of the internet. So if there are network disruptions from the ISP, employees who are on the network can still access the data. But whereas the on-site employees can switch to mobile networks via company cell phones if a cloud solution is used, for example, all colleagues who are outside the local network are locked out of the data.
A quick comparison: Cloud vs. On-Premises
|
Cloud |
On-Premises |
|
Quick and easy entrance into the software - comparably cheap and easy upgradable when needed |
mostly expensive all-in-one-solution, not very versatile when it comes to upgrade and time consuming to install and understand |
| data-care, updates & maintenance is part of the contract with the provider and relieves your IT department | Regular maintenance and care blocks resources of the IT department. Even a great IT needs help from the software developer. |
| always up-to-date with the latest features |
needs to be updated manually (new features only when manually updated) |
|
Data is accessible 24/7 from everywhere you find internet connection (you could be in Iceland for all I know) |
Data is secured in-house and hosted on-sight access from anywhere else is more difficult |
|
IT-Security-Experts take care of the safety of all data |
Data security is your own responsibility - we certainly hope you have an expert at hand |
|
Licensing costs - included is the server, automatic updates, features, and support - all inclusive |
Expensive one-time purchase, any additional features or individual files cost extra, not to mention the cost of having & hosting an own server. |
On this terrible disappointment (*for all that hoped that On-Prem solutions rock) we have to say that SaaS & Cloud are the future.
3 years ago seventhings decided to offer the inventory manager as a cloud-based SaaS solution. On the one hand, it is important to us to be flexible in the further development of the product and to always let all customers participate in software updates in order to be able to use our best possible product.
On the other hand, the cloud is the future: With the increasing speed of the Internet (keyword 5G) and especially against the background of the high demand for chips, it is becoming increasingly uneconomical to operate and buy storage space yourself - regardless of whether it is a server or the devices for all employees. The cloud solution is also more effective in terms of IT security - it does not tie up any resources from your IT department and offers - if the servers of the cloud solution are in Central Europe - the highest possible IT security.
Nice to know: Pay attention to the little tricks, for example with server farms that are located in Germany but are operated by companies that are not based in Germany. Here it requires a close eye! Therefore, check the general terms and conditions and data protection information of the potential cloud provider in particular. - Your safety is our promise.
👉 If you are already a fan or want to try the software for free you can easily access our 14-day free trial. You can start right now and just click the button below. Have fun testing!
