Today’s manufacturing, distribution, and service industries have come a long way. Processes have been refined, and innovations like IoT and automation are providing many companies with more data than they’re equipped to handle.

As small and midsize businesses continue to grapple with upgrading their IT systems, a common question has been popping up among owners: Where should they house these mass quantities of data? That’s where cloud hosting steps in as a potential solution. But is it all that it’s cracked up to be when compared to on-premise servers?

We’ve taken some of the most important topics associated with data management and put the two options to the test. See below for the pros and cons of implementing Cloud Hosting vs. On-Premise Servers:

Security

One of the key benefits of utilizing Attivo’s cloud hosting service for your data management needs is our superior security capability.  Hosted at a data center with every imaginable security certification, and our best of breed firewalls and antivirus software that is constantly updated, clients can rest assured that their data is safe. Pair that with intrusion detection monitoring used to stop internet attacks and 24/7 on-site physical security and small to mid-size businesses couldn’t ask for better protection. For businesses of this size, that level of data security is simply out of budget with an on-premise server system. In terms of security, cloud hosting is a cost-effective solution that’s as safe as it is convenient.

Accessibility

Cloud hosting also has an edge when it comes to accessibility. Put head to head with on-premise servers, there’s a clear winner not only in the cost department but also with respect to speed. That’s because while cloud hosting can easily increase your business’ processing power via the internet, conventional on-premise methods require the addition of bulky hardware, software, and licensing fees. Thanks to the versatility that comes with storing your data in the cloud, businesses also have the ability to quickly access everything they need whether they’re on location or using remote access. Attivo’s dedicated cloud hosting service gives users all of the power they could ask for, just a click away.

Implementation & Maintenance

There’s been an exponential rise in the data storage capacity needed to run an operation, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon. It’s led to an increase in costs tied to attaining and maintaining servers on-premise. Even upgrading a conventional system takes time and money that many businesses simply don’t have, or could use for something more important to the business. Cloud hosting can be implemented in just a few days, meaning a faster turnaround than ever before. On top of that, because you’re ongoing maintenance and support are included, there’s no longer a need for your own in-house IT team to do the heavy lifting. This reduces ongoing costs while increasing support. Attivo takes care of the maintenance every step of the way, giving business owners one less headache to worry about. Once again, the financial and logistical benefits of cloud hosting outweigh on-premise systems.

Disaster Recovery

Anyone who handles vast amounts of data understands the need for contingencies. Having all of your eggs in one basket puts your business at risk of catastrophic data loss should your location be compromised. The cloud circumvents this problem by spreading out the risk. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a break-in at their business, Attivo’s clients will be able to recover their data at a moment’s notice. We even provide 24/7/365 help desk service to ensure that you have everything you need when you need it. On-premise systems are at a greater risk of permanent data loss if the backups are located on-site. When backup recovery becomes necessary, Attivo’s dedicated cloud hosting service can restore your systems quickly, which means less downtime for your business processes.

The benefits of moving your data storage to a cloud-hosted server easily outweigh any perceived advantages of its on-premise counterpart. Cloud hosting outperforms in every category and is a cost-effective way for small and mid-sized businesses to have a robust and reliable IT infrastructure.

If you’re tired of using outdated systems and the extensive costs of managing on-premise servers, transitioning to the cloud may be for you. Try our free ROI Calculator to see how much you could be saving.

Through the Attivo Dedicated Cloud, we have helped clients regain control of their company’s through world-class business management systems and significantly reduce costs. If you have questions about cloud hosting and how the Attivo Group can help effectively transition your business, give us a call at 877-428-8486. Visit our Macola in the Cloud page to learn more benefits about transitioning your Macola ERP system to the cloud and check our Macola Cloud Hosting FAQ page for answers to common questions.