Cloud vs. on-premises databases: which path fits your business?

There is no universal database hosting answer

Cloud databases can make remote access, scalability, and managed infrastructure easier. On-premises systems can still make sense when an organization has local infrastructure, strict internal controls, specialized hardware, or stable in-office workflows.

Many organizations also benefit from a hybrid approach, such as a desktop Access front end connected to SQL Server or Azure SQL, or a web application that uses a cloud-hosted database.

Questions to ask before choosing

• Do users need access from multiple locations?
• How sensitive is the data, and what security controls are required?
• How much data is stored, and how quickly must reports run?
• What systems need to integrate with the database?
• Who will support backups, updates, permissions, and monitoring?
• What are the long-term licensing, hosting, and maintenance costs?

WSI can help compare cloud, on-premises, and hybrid database options in plain business terms so the platform supports the actual need.

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