Choosing the right IT infrastructure is a strategic decision that has a significant impact on the success of your company. Should you continue to rely on your own on-site systems (on-premise), or is using the cloud the better choice? While on-premise scores with proven control, the cloud offers impressive advantages in terms of flexibility, efficiency and costs. Find out why more and more companies are switching to the cloud and which future trends underpin this choice here.

What does on-premise mean and what does the cloud offer?

On-premise: Everything in your own hands

An on-premise solution means that you operate your entire IT infrastructure on your own hardware on your own premises. This option offers you maximum control, as you can decide at any time how and where your data is stored. You have the option of adapting your systems individually to your business requirements and managing them independently.

For many companies, this independence is an important factor, especially when it comes to sensitive data or when there are special IT requirements. However, the investment costs for on-premise are high, as all the hardware has to be purchased, installed and maintained. Operation also requires resources, as an internal IT department is needed for maintenance and support.

Nevertheless, on-premise remains an attractive solution, especially for companies that want maximum control over their IT and value long-term stability.

• Control: You decide how and where your data is stored and processed.
• Customization: Systems can be tailored specifically to your business requirements.
• Investment: High initial costs, but no ongoing rental payments.

Cloud: flexible and future-proof

are provided via the Internet. You only pay for what you actually use, which eliminates high entry costs. Scalability is a major advantage: as your company grows, you can quickly and easily adapt the required resources in the cloud.

Another key aspect is location independence. With a cloud solution, your employees can access IT securely from anywhere, which is particularly important in times of remote working. In addition, cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure guarantee the highest data protection standards and legal compliance thanks to the option of choosing Switzerland as the data location. This is an important advantage for companies that need to meet local compliance requirements while still benefiting from the global advantages of the cloud.

The cloud not only enables efficiency gains, but also provides access to modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. These innovative tools can be used directly in the cloud to automate processes, make intelligent predictions and achieve competitive advantages.

• Cost savings: Only pay for what you use - without high investments in hardware.
• Scalability: Adapt resources quickly and easily as your business grows.
• Location-independent: Work securely and efficiently from anywhere.
• Legal compliance: Data locations such as Switzerland guarantee the highest data protection standards.

On-premise vs. cloud: a look into the future

Why is the trend moving to the cloud?

The trend towards the cloud is no coincidence. More and more companies are switching to cloud solutions because they recognize the enormous technological and economic benefits. The cloud also makes economic sense. The pay-as-you-go model ensures cost efficiency, as companies only pay for the resources they actually need. At the same time, there is no need for high investments in hardware and its maintenance.

Technological advantages:

• Innovations such as artificial intelligence: With the cloud, you can use AI-supported analyses to make better decisions faster.
• Seamless integration of new technologies: From 5G and IoT to augmented reality - the cloud is flexible enough to integrate new technologies quickly.
• Edge computing: Process data in real time - anywhere in the world.

Economic advantages:

• Flexibility instead of fixed costs: Invest in growth instead of tying up capital in expensive hardware.
• Sustainability: Cloud providers rely on environmentally friendly data centers and thus reduce their ecological footprint.
• Crisis protection: Work independently of local failures or location problems - the cloud is always available.

When does on-premise still make sense?

Despite the many advantages of the cloud, there are scenarios in which on-premise may be the better choice. Companies that have particularly strict data control requirements or do not want to be dependent on external providers benefit from the independence of an on-premise solution. Even if the requirements remain constant over the years, a local infrastructure can be operated stably and efficiently in the long term.

• Maximum control: You keep the entire infrastructure under your direct supervision.
• Long-term stability: If your requirements rarely change, an on-premise solution can be efficient in the long term.

How do you make the right decision?

The decision between on-premise and cloud depends on the specific requirements of your company. Ask yourself how fast your company is growing and how flexible your IT infrastructure needs to be. Do you want to use innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence or IoT? Do you prefer a cost structure that is adapted to your actual needs? When you answer these questions, it will become clear which solution suits you better.

With the cloud, you invest in flexibility, innovation and sustainability. On-premise, on the other hand, offers you maximum control and independence. Whichever solution you choose, it should optimally support your business goals.

• How fast will my company grow? The cloud offers maximum flexibility if your requirements change quickly.
• Which cost structure do I prefer? Do you want to avoid high initial investments? Then the cloud is ideal.
• Which technologies do I plan to use? The cloud gives you access to innovative applications such as AI or IoT.
• What are my compliance requirements? Both solutions can be operated in Switzerland in compliance with data protection regulations - your preference for control or flexibility is what counts here.

Conclusion: Your IT infrastructure of the future

The cloud offers a clear path to the future of IT infrastructure. It enables flexibility, cost efficiency and access to state-of-the-art technologies that give you a competitive edge. Nevertheless, on-premise also has its raison d'être if control and stability are a priority.

At Raptus AG, we help you make the right decision for your company. Contact us for a personal consultation and make your IT infrastructure future-proof!