Information is the most valuable asset for businesses of any scale. For this reason, every organization sooner or later can face storing existing data problems. Another challenge the company may face is how to better provide software deployment and manage the whole IT infrastructure?
So, most software and infrastructure can be deployed in three ways: Cloud, Server, or Data Center. Let’s try to figure out which solution has more advantages and brings the maximum profit.
What is Cloud?
Cloud is a way of storing data and processes online. Using cloud hosting means that you store all the information on the provider’s server, and you get access to the files using a browser or through special software.
Cloud technology involves two solutions: on-demand (cloud of the CRM system developer like Atlassian) and private cloud (any private cloud). Each of the options has its own features:
On-demand. It is used by those companies that are prohibited from storing customer/user data outside the country. This solution helps to reduce capital costs, provides reliable data and capacity backup, allows you to monitor the security of databases, and control access to information.
But there are also disadvantages of such a cloud. For example, a number of system settings will need to be performed exclusively through technical support. When combining CRM with other systems, the use of special protocols will be required. This solution is not recommended for corporations, for which it is critically important to update huge amounts of client data and do it in the shortest possible time.
Private cloud. This is another version of cloud storage, but it is not the manufacturer of the CRM used that is responsible for it, but a third-party supplier. This solution has the advantages of on-demand, including providing trouble-free operation of services and constant access to information.
However, in this case, you will have to pay separately for the cloud capacity used. This solution is recommended for companies that have a complicated CRM system and therefore cannot always provide reliable access to databases for all employees. It is not recommended for those organizations that need to quickly update huge databases.
Reasons for using Cloud
- Reducing costs and resources;
- Quick start of work;
- Instant software update if you use software based on Cloud hosting (like Jira Cloud);
- Optimal for working remotely.
What is Server?
A separate physical server (on-site) is a more traditional solution that is becoming less popular nowadays. Why? Compared to Cloud, the cost of using it is almost 2 times higher than the cost of cloud storage.
Using physical servers brings more profit if you want to organize your own IT infrastructure, but it involves high costs like deployment on servers, and hiring system engineers and tech support teams.
At the same time, there are two options for using the physical servers: you can build your own server node (the purchase and installation of machines in the company’s office) or the rental of equipment in the data center (providing remote access to the server based on the data center).
What is Data Center?
It means using clusters of servers, and more often used in big corporations with many employees. It maximizes all benefits of physical servers and adds additional elements to the architecture like Load Balancer – an additional server that helps distribute the load equally among other servers.
Reasons for using Server and Data Center
Yes, server maintenance costs a lot, but it also gives you maximum freedom and flexibility, as you can always integrate your infrastructure with other systems.
- Possibility to integrate with other systems and software;
- Higher data security;
- Increased reliability, preventing data loss and downtime;
- Easy business expansion.
Full comparison of Cloud and Data Center, and which is better to choose.
Is it possible to migrate from server to cloud and vice versa?
Yes! But it might seem like a real challenge to get everything done quickly and without a headache. So, when our clients want to do the Migration to Cloud, Server, or Data Center, we follow these steps:
- Assess and plan. The first thing that must be done is the assessment of your infrastructure to reveal the weaknesses and plan how to improve them.
- Backup all data and perform tests and health checks to get baseline values for the service operation.
- Migrate the data and services.
- Provide technical support
What’s the result?
All data, configurations, workflows, apps, and add-ons appear in your new ecosystem unchanged. As we follow a detailed migration strategy based on a thorough assessment of your existing software, data, and infrastructure, you get a risk-free migration process done according to all your business requirements.