How to Choose between On-Premise and Cloud-Based Unified Endpoint Management Solutions

Businesses often struggle to secure every endpoint (and the data on those endpoints) without spending huge sums on IT infrastructure. As the number and kinds of business devices available increase exponentially, it becomes more difficult- and more crucial- to commit to security without exceeding your company’s budget. 

Many thousands of businesses have found that using a mobile device management (MDM) solution is the best way for them to ensure security at a reasonable cost- but they will have to make another important decision quickly. Businesses must choose whether to deploy the MDM solution on-premise or host it on cloud. Businesses must consider a few basic questions before implementing either model; making the right choice can maximize productivity, streamline operations, and ensure security. 

Let’s take a look at both MDM deployment models that businesses can adopt.

Cloud

This is a plug-and-play deployment solution. It provides more flexibility as businesses do not need to worry about maintaining or managing servers. Many large-sized businesses that run multiple applications often prefer cloud-based device management services as they can just pay for what they use and enjoy faster application deployment. 

On-premise

This type of deployment model allows you to have complete control over your business data without relying upon any third party. For a very long time, on-premise was the only option for organizations looking for a reliable, secure way to host applications. 

Cost

This is one of the main differences between on-premise and cloud-based MDM services. In on-premise deployments, the servers are housed within the organization. Businesses must employ dedicated resources to set up the entire infrastructure and ensure that it is secured, maintained and updated at all times. All of this not only requires a large budget but also requires them to ensure that they have 24X7 support on hand. 

In cloud-based deployments, however, businesses are charged a specific subscription plan, monthly or annually. All the business data is stored in the cloud. Unlike on-premise, there are no costs associated with purchasing and maintaining servers, setting up hardware, and repairing or updating software applications.

Implementation

Ensuring that all business applications work as required is quite challenging. Moreover, on-premise deployments take longer than cloud deployments as the IT team must set up ports, complete the manual configuration of mail server settings and proxy settings, and much more.  

Implementing and configuring cloud-based deployments, on the other hand, is not as complex. For example, businesses can use the MDM provider’s mail servers. As this model is completely hosted on the cloud, employees can access business data from anywhere and at any time. 

Security

In an on-premise MDM deployment scenario, the organization is in total control of its business data. Important details such as customer data, bank account information, inventory, and business application details reside in the on-premise servers. Banking and finance companies utilize this type of deployment to ensure they are in complete control of their customers’ data. For smaller companies, however, managing and securing all endpoints internally can be a daunting task. 

Business data in cloud-based deployments, on the other hand, is securely stored in an encrypted form within the third party cloud servers. Cloud vendors follow strict security protocols to keep the business data safe.

Scalability and Updates

Scaling up an on-premise deployment can be a costly, cumbersome process. Organizations that have deployed on-premise servers may have to wait longer than cloud-hosted services in order to optimize and streamline operations. Moreover, they may face a typically slow cycle to release updates. 

Cloud services offer better integrations and customization opportunities. Businesses can simply request specific features that can be developed, released and integrated rapidly. In cloud-based MDM deployments, applications are automatically updated when the third party updates them at its end, without requiring the intervention of the user. 

Support

Support is essential for ensuring successful deployments. Businesses that have implemented on-premise MDM services know that their entire device fleet is present at a single location, and therefore, they must have the internal resources needed to minimize device downtime caused by device maintenance and repairs, security incidents, backup, and updates.

Businesses that have deployed a large fleet of legacy devices/hardware may not want to burden themselves with the on-demand, real-time support their device fleet requires. In the case of cloud-based MDM services, a dedicated support team is always available to provide real-time solutions to technical problems (backup, updates, maintenance, etc.) that may arise when frontline workers are in the field or in different time zones. 

Other Factors to Consider

Businesses also must assess their other needs carefully before choosing a particular deployment model. The level of control, flexibility, and cost savings can vary in both deployment models based on the specific use case. Depending upon their use case, businesses may choose to implement both for seamless functioning.

Whatever the deployment type, SureMDM by 42Gears provides businesses with the most advanced set of features to secure, manage, and support business devices. Many of our customers have been able to improve overall employee productivity and establish better security by implementing a mix of cloud and on-premise MDM deployment models. If you would like more guidance about choosing the right deployment model for your business, you can speak to our sales support.