On-Premise vs Cloud vs Hybrid Infrastructure: What Should You Choose?

There is no universal winner

The right location depends on the workload. On-premise infrastructure can offer direct control, predictable local performance and continued access to local systems during an internet outage. Cloud services can reduce initial hardware deployment and make variable capacity easier to consume. Hybrid designs place each service where its requirements are best met.

When on-premise can make sense

Local infrastructure is often considered for large file workloads, branch applications, manufacturing systems, surveillance storage, development labs, specialist licensing, or systems that need very low local latency. It also suits organisations that have the staff and facilities to operate hardware responsibly.

When cloud can make sense

Cloud platforms can be effective for rapidly changing workloads, global access, managed software services and projects where the organisation does not want to maintain physical equipment. Ongoing usage, data transfer, backup and support costs still need to be modelled.

Why many businesses use hybrid IT

A hybrid approach might keep identity and collaboration services online while retaining a local file, application or backup server. The design must include connectivity, access control, monitoring and a recovery plan across both environments.

Compare on the same basis

Evaluate three to five years of costs, including hardware, subscriptions, power, cooling, connectivity, staff time, support and replacement. Also compare recovery time, data portability, security responsibilities and the operational impact of an outage.

If your decision includes new local infrastructure, use our server discovery form. We can help define the hardware portion of an on-premise or hybrid design.