On-Premise or Cloud: A Quick Decision Guide

The question of whether to run machines on-premise or in the cloud is frequently asked. The answer extends beyond mere cost, as factors such as usage frequency, the number of users, data residency requirements, and the duration of need are all significant considerations.

How often do you need the machine?

Consider the actual runtime of the machine. If it is required daily, owning hardware often proves more cost-effective over time, as the asset is perpetually available. Conversely, if the need is intermittent, a cloud desktop allows you to rent capacity only when required.

Decision-making differs significantly between a machine used for a few days a month and one handling daily workloads. It is advisable to assess current usage patterns rather than speculating on future capacity needs.

How many people use it?

For individual users, a cloud desktop offers a straightforward solution to access necessary resources without the need to procure physical hardware. In a team environment, the focus shifts to the number of users requiring access and whether simultaneous work is essential.

Teams with consistent, high-volume usage may find justification for owning dedicated hardware. Alternatively, teams experiencing fluctuating workloads often benefit from the adaptability of cloud desktops.

Does the data need to stay on-site?

Evaluate the permissible locations for your data. If company policy, regulatory obligations, client mandates, or the nature of the work dictates that data must remain within your internal network, on-premise hardware is likely the superior choice.

Should your data be permissible for processing outside your facilities, cloud desktops offer greater flexibility, enabling remote access to the machine without retaining physical hardware on-site.

Do you have IT staff?

On-premise hardware requires dedicated oversight, encompassing deployment, updates, troubleshooting, monitoring, and hardware replacement. If you possess an IT team already managing infrastructure, an on-premise machine may integrate seamlessly into your existing setup.

In the absence of dedicated IT staff, consider the responsibility for these tasks. Owning hardware does not mandate self-managed maintenance; a managed on-premise system can handle operational duties while the hardware remains within your environment.

Do you need specific hardware?

Certain workloads demand specific, rigid requirements. These may include particular CPUs, GPUs, RAM quantities, storage configurations, or physical form factors.

When such specifications are critical, custom on-premise hardware provides superior control over the system. If the requirement is simply for a specific tier of CPU or GPU capacity, a cloud desktop may suffice.

This consideration extends beyond GPU-centric tasks. Machine learning, rendering, and video production may require specific GPUs, whereas build, CI, development, and data workloads often rely more heavily on CPU, memory, or storage capabilities.

How long is the project?

Reflect on the expected lifespan of the machine's requirement. For projects spanning a few weeks or months, renting a cloud desktop is often practical, allowing you to cease usage once the project concludes.

For workloads intended to run for years, purchasing hardware becomes increasingly viable. While the initial cost is higher, the machine remains available for future operations.

A middle ground also exists. A project can commence in the cloud while workload requirements are being defined. Once requirements stabilise, a decision can be made regarding whether owning hardware is more advantageous.

There's no universal answer

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The optimal choice hinges on your specific workload, data constraints, and team structure. If you are uncertain, speak to us. We offer both solutions.

Would you like to discuss your use case? Contact us and we will guide you in the right direction.