On-premise infrastructure: Full control within your company’s facilities

What is on-premise? Characteristics and benefits

On-premise infrastructure, or local infrastructure, represents the internal management of all IT resources without external cloud services. This model allows companies to own and operate their own servers, software, and storage systems, offering complete and exclusive control over their IT operations.

Key features:

• Full ownership of hardware and software: Organizations purchase their equipment and software licenses, requiring a significant initial investment but eliminating dependencies on external vendors.
• Customization according to specific needs: Software and hardware can be tailored to the exact needs of the organization, which is essential in sectors with very specific requirements.
• Data control: By keeping all data on-site, companies ensure faster access and have complete control over the security and handling of their sensitive information.

Key benefits:

• Enhanced security: Ability to implement advanced and customized security protocols suited to the company’s internal needs and policies.
• Regulatory compliance: Particularly advantageous for regulated sectors (such as healthcare and banking) where specific configurations are required to meet local laws and regulations.
• Independence from Internet connection: On-premise systems do not depend on an Internet connection to operate, which is crucial for organizations in locations with limited network infrastructure or strict security policies.

Organizational impact:

• Long-term costs: While the initial investment is high, on-premise infrastructure can be more cost-effective in the long run due to the absence of recurring subscription or cloud-based licensing fees.
• Operational flexibility: Companies with on-premise infrastructure can make adjustments and updates on their terms without relying on the availability or update cycles of an external provider.

This IT configuration remains crucial for organizations requiring absolute and detailed control over their technological operations, despite the growing trend towards cloud solutions. The decision between on-premise and cloud solutions should be based on a careful assessment of the company’s specific security, control, and operational needs.

Drawbacks and disadvantages of on-premise model:

Although on-premise solutions offer numerous benefits in terms of control and customization, they also present certain challenges and limitations that organizations need to consider before opting for this model:

• High Initial Cost: Implementing on-premise infrastructure requires a significant upfront investment in hardware and software, including not only equipment purchase but also installation and system configuration.
• Maintenance and Updates: On-premise solutions require the company to handle ongoing maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting of their infrastructure. This may require dedicated staff and additional resources, increasing long-term operational costs.
• Physical Space Requirements: Servers and other hardware components need adequate physical space within the company’s facilities, and this space must be properly conditioned to prevent issues such as overheating.
• Limited Scalability: Scaling an on-premise infrastructure can be a slow and costly process, requiring additional hardware acquisitions and possibly new software licenses. This may limit the company’s agility in adapting to rapid changes or growth in demand.
• Dependence on Internal Resources: Relying solely on internal resources for IT management can put the company at a disadvantage if it lacks the appropriate personnel or faces high turnover rates in its IT team, affecting operational continuity and efficiency.
• Disaster Risks: On-premise solutions are more vulnerable to physical disasters such as fires, floods, or power failures, which can result in significant data loss and downtime if adequate contingency plans are not in place.

These drawbacks must be carefully weighed against the benefits of having total control over technological infrastructure. For some companies, especially those in highly regulated industries or with specific security requirements, the benefits may outweigh these disadvantages. However, for others, alternatives like cloud infrastructure might offer a more flexible and cost-effective option.

Practical examples of on-premise solutions:

On-premise solutions are extremely versatile and can be adapted to a wide range of business needs. Here are some concrete examples of how companies implement these solutions in various key areas:

1. Internal Email Servers: A multinational company uses an on-premise email server to ensure complete security of internal and external communications. This server allows for customized integration with other IT security tools and complies with strict data protection regulations.
2. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: A manufacturing company opts for an on-premise ERP system to integrate processes like inventory, purchasing, sales, and accounting, ensuring that all sensitive information is handled internally without exposure to the cloud. This system allows for deep customization to fit the specifics of its production operations.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): A bank implements an on-premise CRM to manage client relationships, offering a higher level of security and complying with local financial regulations. The solution allows employees to access critical client information securely and in real-time, enhancing user experience.
4. File Storage and Collaboration Services: An educational institution sets up on-premise servers for file storage and research collaboration. This infrastructure provides complete control over data and offers fast, secure access for students and academic staff.
5. Monitoring and Security Systems: A security company uses on-premise systems to monitor surveillance cameras and alarms in real-time. Local infrastructure ensures a rapid response to incidents without relying on Internet connectivity or external servers.

While on-premise solutions present challenges in terms of initial costs, maintenance, and scalability, they remain an indispensable option for many organizations that value total control, enhanced security, and deep customization of their IT infrastructure.

These solutions enable more secure data management and compliance with industry-specific regulations, offering advantages that often outweigh the associated limitations.

For companies looking to combine the robustness of on-premise infrastructure with the flexibility of innovative technologies, Virtual Cable offers advanced workplace virtualization solutions. With UDS Enterprise, Virtual Cable provides a solution that integrates desktop virtualization, application virtualization, and remote access to physical devices. Its Open Source foundation ensures compatibility with virtually any third-party technology and can be deployed on-premise, in public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud environments. Additionally, it allows for combining multiple environments simultaneously and performing automatic and intelligent overflows to optimize performance and efficiency. This combination enables organizations to maximize their operational efficiency and adaptability, ensuring they can meet today’s and future technological challenges.