On-premise servers are servers that are hosted and maintained by your own organisation in your own office or co-locations data centres. This means that you have full control over the software, hardware, security, and customisation of your applications. However, it also means that you have to bear the costs and responsibilities of purchasing, installing, updating, and troubleshooting the servers and the software. You also need to have enough IT resource to manage the infrastructure and ensure its availability and performance.

SaaS solutions are cloud-based services that are hosted and managed by third-party providers. You are likely to access the applications through an internet browser without having to install or maintain anything on site. The providers take care of the infrastructure, security, updates, and backups of the software. You only pay for what you use based on a subscription or usage-based model. This means that you can save on upfront costs and enjoy more flexibility and scalability.

However, SaaS solutions also have some drawbacks. You have to rely on an internet connection and the provider’s service level agreements (SLAs) to access your applications. You also have less control over the customisation, integration, and compliance of the software. You may face compatibility issues with other systems or data sources. From a data protection perspective, you have to trust the provider with your sensitive data and ensure that they meet your security and privacy standards.

So, which option is better for your business? It depends on various factors, such as your budget, objectives, security requirements, and company culture.  

Here are some questions that can help you decide:

  • How much are you willing to spend on software deployment and maintenance?
  • How often do you need to update or upgrade your software?
  • How important is customisation and integration for your business processes?
  • How sensitive is your data and what are your compliance/regulation obligations?
  • How many users need to access the software and where are they located?
  • How reliable is your internet connection and how tolerant are you of downtime?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You have to weigh the pros and cons of each option and find the best fit for your business needs. If you need more guidance or assistance, feel free to contact me. We guide SMEs in the UK to find the best software solutions for your business.