Historically, on-premise technology — software installed on servers owned by the company and located behind the company’s firewall — was the only way to access advanced programs and systems. The organization purchased a license or copy of the software and then manually updated the software when the provider released new versions.
Another option for hosting critical programs involves using cloud computing technology. Cloud technology allows companies to host programs offsite through a third-party application. Although this difference may seem insignificant, utilizing a cloud-based solution has advantages over its on-premise counterpart.
Lower Hardware Costs
One advantage of a cloud-based solution is its lower hardware costs. With the cloud, you pay for the software it needs via a subscription model. You do not need to invest in any additional infrastructure as you do with on-premise solutions. You also avoid the headaches that often come with maintaining hardware, such as manually initiating updates. For the most part, the cloud runs itself.
Improved Access to Information
The second advantage of using a cloud-based program instead of an on-site solution is that the cloud is accessible from anywhere. If you manage multiple locations, you don’t have to fill your days with site visits to ensure everything runs smoothly. The cloud enables you to monitor your storage units remotely and respond to needs in real-time without visiting the property, making the business more secure without raising labor costs.
The major differences between these two technologies are lower hardware costs and greater access to information. However, there are more benefits to using the cloud.
Watch for part three in this series, where we will outline five ways the cloud benefits self storage businesses.
