Last updated on June 26th, 2023 at 12:33 pm
INTRODCUTION
In the management circles of businesses that use VDR there is always a debate on about what is better for the security of their sensitive, proprietary or otherwise valuable data -an On-site Server or a Cloud Based VDR Server?
Factually both the on-premise servers and cloud-based servers offer their own sets of benefits as well as challenges. Which server suits your organization depends entirely upon the what’s important for your business and is mainly decided based by weighing and comparing the four main competencies of Cost, Security, Scalability and Reliability.
On-site Server
An on-site server is a physical server that a company installs in its premises. It is maintained and managed by the organization itself.
Cost
An on-site server requires a larger upfront capital investment for the hardware and installation of the server. Once installed it requires dedicated support and maintenance, which adds to their costs by way of maintenance and dedicated staff for its upkeep. Thus, in the short term an on-site server becomes more expensive.
Security
Data security is a manual process, but it requires a high degree of expertise to secure your organizations network. Besides security is also dependent upon having the right security tools. If you are prepared for these additional costs of employing expert personnel and layered next generation security tools, then an on-site server is good for you as it gives you complete control over your data and its security, which is a big positive for your business.
Scalability
Manual labour and upgradation of hardware/software is required for proper scalability.
Reliability
On-site servers can communicate with all connected devices over a local area network (LAN) and are not dependent upon internet connectivity, which is also an advantage.
Protection
Data stored virtually is often vulnerable to corruption or deletion in the event of a server clash. Because data stored in a VDR is often of sensitive nature, it requires a clear plan for back-up. When data is corrupted or lost having the server on-site can be a benefit, because then for your in-house IT team recovering that data becomes their top priority.
A Cloud-based Server
A cloud-based server is a virtual server that physically exists off-site. It is hosted through cloud computing, is accessed via the internet and is controlled by a third party.
Cost
For a cloud-based server, you have to pay a monthly fee, which can be scaled upwards as your usage increases. It can be installed quickly and starts operating almost immediately. Besides it has lesser maintenance expenses.
Security
Cloud-based servers rely upon third-party security measures. They have automated data back-up processes which makes them quicker and easier to handle. The responsibility of keeping your data safe lies with cloud-based solutions service provider, hence they employ IT professionals who specialize in cyber security management. Since they focus solely on the managing the cloud server’s security and are experts in this, they tend to respond quickly to any potential threat to your data, than a generalist IT professional in your single organization.
Scalability
Cloud-based servers offer greater flexibility and lesser hassles to scale-up and expand your storage capacity.
Reliability
Cloud solutions are entirely dependent upon internet connectivity. But it gives you the liberty to access your data from anywhere using an internet connection.
Protection
Cloud based VDR solutions generally offer automated back-up services. But when your valuable data is corrupted or lost, for you retrieving it is the topmost priority but for the cloud IT staff, it is just one of their jobs as they may be dealing with other issues that for them are more important or higher on their priority list.
Choose the best option suited for your requirement
If you are a large organization with resources to make a bigger capital investment, then on-site server is your best option. But if you are a small to medium, growing organization with limited financial and space resources, then cloud-based server solution is best suited for you.
The Confiex team specializes in providing premium virtual data room solutions tailored for businesses. With their vast experience in working with document sharing platforms, they have been actively supporting the Virtual Data Room community since 2015 by offering valuable information to users free of charge.