Data centers and server rooms are evolving, to be sure. Enterprises have been able to implement massive virtual workloads due to the proliferation of cloud infrastructure solutions, while revolutionary server technology allows for more in less space. Though successful in creating the declining trend, these developments do not herald the death of on-premises infrastructures. 

After years of trial and error, industry thought leaders have concluded that the future of business IT infrastructures is hybrid. Cloud technology, which has long been eye candy across sectors, allows enterprises of all sizes to grow their operations quickly. However, organizations need an on-premises infrastructure handling the mission-critical workload to fully manage compliance, security, and the network. 

This blog provides an in-depth look into on-prem, which stands for on-premises infrastructure. It answers all your questions, including What exactly is on-premises? How does it differ from a cloud-based or SaaS solution? Is private cloud synonymous with on-premises cloud? Finally, how is an on-premises setup or a cloud-based service best for my business? 

So, without further ado, let's get started. 

What is "on-premises"? 

On-premises refers to on-site IT infrastructure, hardware, and software applications. This contrasts with IT assets hosted by a public cloud platform or a distant data center. Businesses have more control over on-premises IT assets by monitoring performance, security, upkeep, and their physical location. 

Many traditional and legacy data center resources are on-premises. However, there has been a movement in recent years toward migrating IT assets to the cloud or developing hybrid environments that employ a mix of cloud and on-premises solutions. 

Why are some businesses still using on-premise infrastructure rather than cloud infrastructure? 

Legacy 

"If it works, don't mess with it." That is why many businesses continue to rely on on-premise infrastructure. Servers and apps put up years ago still serve their functions, and businesses see no reason to modify anything. 

Furthermore, several businesses are concerned that any attempt to replace infrastructure may fail, resulting in financial loss. 

Concerns Regarding Security 

Hosting your company on-premises implies that only a few people can access your server room. One unpleasant experience with a cyber assault may be enough for the chief information officer or chief technology officer to resolve to keep firm data and infrastructure secure. They may believe it is the most secure when only the team in charge has physical access. 

Independent Internet Access 

When you host your business on-premises, you are operating on your network. Therefore, the possibility of losing connectivity will not be a concern. In addition, when the internal network is in place, you and your employees can access anything connected to your business located within your on-premise infrastructure. 

In other words, if the connection fails, your employees' productivity will not suffer. Furthermore, on-premise infrastructure implies that your servers are hardwired, eliminating the necessity for a high-speed internet connection. 

The decision between on-premises and cloud computing 

Businesses are reimagining and shifting their IT infrastructures due to technological progress. This change has resulted from the requirement for: 

  • Real-time data analytics and insights to help businesses make better decisions 
  • Business operations and procedures that have been effectively simplified to improve performance and efficiency 
  • Secure data management and storage 
  • Backup services 
  • Thanks to workforce mobility, workers can collaborate, communicate, and connect from anywhere globally. 

On-premise and cloud computing are the two leading IT infrastructure technologies organizations utilize to make this a reality. However, many people still need clarification about the distinctions between the two infrastructures. So, let's compare on-premises vs. cloud computing. 

On-premise refers to an IT infrastructure kept on-site at a company's location. This is frequently administered by the firm itself or by a third party. All services and on-premise servers are administered, managed, and maintained from within the organization using their hardware and software. Many businesses have selected this option because of the security and compliance safeguards it provides. However, on-premise software and solutions have two significant drawbacks: they provide less flexibility and are sometimes more expensive regarding upfront hardware costs. 

Cloud computing innovation has made the cloud a popular corporate tool in recent years. However, all information in this IT infrastructure is saved or held offshore. A third-party supplier manages all infrastructure, services, hardware, and software. The advantage is that there are no capital expenditures. In addition, this solution improves flexibility and dependability and saves time on system maintenance and upgrades, enabling you to focus on your key business objectives and goals. 

The key benefits of an on-premise solution include the following: 

  • Control- An on-premise solution provides further control. Because you control the hardware, data, and software, you can make modifications, setups, and upgrades to meet your company's needs. 
  • Connectivity- Since all components of this solution are on-premise, you are not dependent on outside variables, such as internet connectivity, to access your servers and applications. 
  • Cost- While the initial expenditures of this type of solution are significant, the total cost of ownership is generally lower when compared to periodic payments spread over the system's full lifespan. 
  • Customization-Customization is the most significant advantage of this type of customization. An on-premises application may be totally customized to meet your specific company demands, objectives, and specifications. 

Best practices for on-premises IT infrastructure 

Best practices are defined as "a collection of principles, ethics, and concepts that indicate the most efficient, or wise, course of action in a given company setting." Furthermore, best practices are intended to serve as a basic foundation for a number of settings. 

For example, the best practices for IT infrastructure management represent the most effective and efficient method of maintaining and controlling all parts of the IT infrastructure lifecycle. This list of recommended practices also covers safety precautions such as turning off and unplugging computer servers before installing or switching out hardware components. 

Knowledge acquisition 

Obtaining knowledge might be more complicated than it appears. You need to collect sufficient information on your IT infrastructure to ensure you know key information on which to establish your infrastructure management model, approach, and protocols. However, too much information is the inverse of too little information. More information may quickly immobilize you, resulting in management practices that are too resource-intensive and comprehensive to apply correctly. 

Create and consistently apply criteria based on the knowledge gained. 

Following the knowledge-gathering phase, the next step is to develop operational and managerial standards. Again, it is critical to recognize that standards and setups at various organizations will have similarities and variances. As a result, you must personalize and tailor your IT infrastructure management standards and settings at the organizational level, such as enhancing configuration clarity and meeting security requirements. 

Following the creation of these standards, the next step is to guarantee that they are consistently executed. IT engineers and other staff managing the IT infrastructure must have clear, consistent standards and specifications. 

Keep meticulous records. 

Thorough and precise documentation is essential for successfully applying IT infrastructure management standards and settings. IT teams frequently need to pay more attention to best practices or write down a few ideas when properly documenting operational and management procedures. However, it is critical to ensure that the IT infrastructure documentation is clear enough so new IT experts (workers and consultants) can swiftly onboard and ramp up. 

It is critical to include infrastructure business process flow diagrams, networking diagrams such as SD-WAN diagrams, and other infrastructure diagrams as part of the entire documenting process. Finally, it is critical to adequately record individual component settings to replace individual components quickly, decreasing total infrastructure downtime. 

On-premise IT Infrastructure performs admirably. 

Creating and establishing an IT infrastructure is not simple, but it is also not tough. Before starting, you should always determine your needs. You won't squander any resources this way. Furthermore, it wouldn't hurt to seek professional advice, especially if this is your first time establishing such an infrastructure. 

Many service providers have identified a need to ensure that clients and their immediate business demands and goals can access on-premise solutions. One of these service providers is VTG. This enables you to build the solution using the IT infrastructure you have available or believe is appropriate for your organization and its needs. 

Get in touch with us if you need help with on-premise IT infrastructure. Our consultants are ready to assist you every step of the way. 

Posted in IT Infrastructure Transformation