Using a Cloud-based connected worker solution offers many efficiency and cost advantages compared to an in-house, on-premise-hosted platform. If you’re considering the purchase of a connected worker solution, carefully weigh the benefits of a Cloud-based system. Learn more in this blog.
In Part 1 of this three-part series, we looked at why many connected worker solution vendors are sunsetting their on-premise offerings in favor of cloud-based services. Primarily it’s because so many of their customers have realized that the cloud offers so many advantages over on-premise that it simply doesn’t make much sense to continue to devote resources to an offering that could soon disappear. So what do customers who’ve already switched know that you don’t? That’s what we’re going to discuss today. In Part II of the series, we’ll examine why cloud-based connected worker solutions make more sense in the 2020s than on-premise ones and why so many companies are making the move.
What Is Cloud Hosting? How Does It Differ from On-Premise?
Simply put, cloud hosting involves a third-party vendor hosting your data offsite. This is in direct contrast to on-premise hosting, where you host everything on a server at your headquarters, office or industrial facility. The vendor hosts everything for you on a dedicated server at their location, making them responsible for everything and relieving you of that burden and worry.
Cloud-based Hosting Advantages
Having someone else host your connected worker solution offers several plusses versus on-premise hosting. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Server redundancy
- Disaster recovery
- Business scalability
- Upgrades
Server redundancy gives cloud-based users a big advantage. If your server should break down, it may be the only one you have. In that case, you face the possibility of losing everything on it or at least having to replace the hardware, which will take time and interrupt business. A cloud-based connected worker solution vendor has numerous servers, giving it valuable redundancy in case of a problem. If one server experiences trouble, the service is simply shuttled to another server with no interruption and no hassle to you.
Likewise with disaster recovery: If an earthquake, hurricane or other natural disaster should strike your location, your server may be damaged or destroyed. Now you face the costly and lengthy task of recovering and rebuilding. A cloud-based connected worker solution provider can have servers at multiple locations. Service can switched instantly to another server, preserving your solution and enabling you to keep functioning seamlessly, with loss of data, time or productivity.
Meanwhile, on the positive side, let’s say your company is rapidly growing and you want to expand your connected worker solution. With on-premise hosting, it’s your responsibility to buy the hardware and other equipment needed to upscale the system. You have to bear the costs and you have to take the time to find and install the new server and other items. Not so with a cloud-based solution. The vendor can provide quick, easy and painless scalability.
You have to devote IT resources to upgrade dependent applications, maintain hardware, apply patches and fixes, address downtime and provide security. As with scalability, the cloud-based vendor provides those, enabling you and your IT to focus on other issues without worry.
Any Other Advantages You Should Keep in Mind?
Yes. Don’t overlook accessibility. On-premise hosting can sometimes make accessibility difficult. Cloud-based connected worker solution users can access their platform from anywhere at any time every day of the year, even during an emergency that might compromise their in-house server.
Finally, security is always a top concern. Security had been an issue initially keeping many companies from being early adopters of cloud-based technologies. Cloud-based connected worker solutions can utilize interconnected security measures, like two-factor authentication and encrypted secure login, that can be automated and provide a strong level of protection and peace of mind.
Coming up: In Part 3 of this series, we’ll explain why Innovapptive ought to be one of your first stops in your on-premise-to-cloud due diligence
Want to Learn More?
Innovapptive, a cloud-based connected worker solution pioneer, specializes in SAP- and IBM Maximo-compatible mobile plant maintenance systems that improve technician productivity, transform reactive processes and cut downtime costs. We understand switching from on-premise to the cloud can cause stress. Let us show you there’s nothing to be concerned about in such a move. Schedule a free demo of a world-class, cloud-based connected worker platform or call 888-464-6668 to speak to our industry experts. They’ll be happy to answer your questions, help you calculate return on investments, identify opportunities for efficiencies and savings, and explain how a cloud-based connected worker solution can benefit you.
