Cloud vs On Premise: Pros and Cons for Event Platforms

There are definitely many factors to consider when investing in event technology. Not only there are different event software solutions, but also different hosting environments to consider. Cloud based software is a fairly recent technological development that definitely came to stay. However, companies small and large have a history with on-premises software, and its legacy is undeniable. If you are an event professional, you might be wondering which option is a better fit for your organization. Find below a detailed explanation of cloud vs on premise pros and cons focused on event platforms.

1. On Premise Versus Cloud Deployment & Control 

Basically, having an on-premise software means that it is installed locally, on your own computer. The software will reside behind your company’s firewall, and will be dependent on your main computer’s capacity to store its data. Software maintenance and up keeping will be your company’s responsibility, as well as data backups and accessibility.

To access the software, an employee has to be connected to your company's network, logged from a specific computer. All data will be stored there, and it may not be accessible outside the office. Some on premises assets are still used worldwide today and can be extremely valuable.

In contrast, cloud-based software are hosted on a third party vendor's server. Having a software stored like this - in the “cloud” - means it resides in a third party's server, which functions independently from a specific computer.

With cloud software, a lot of IT tasks are the vendor’s responsibility. Data backups, security measures, firewall, basic and in depth maintenance are now matters for your vendor to worry about. Also, the cloud offers scalability and speed, with an overall better performance than on premises software.

2. Cloud vs On Premise Security Comparison

As you may have noticed, security is a major deciding factor when choosing between cloud vs on premise software. Having a proprietary firewall and in house IT services were a must until recently. This is true especially for companies that deal with sensitive data or operations. If the software you are considering will deal directly with such matters, on premise installation and maintenance may be an advantage for you.

However, as cloud storage and software are on the rise, vendors are perfectly capable of offering top notch security. For example, implementing SSL/TLS protocol, encrypting data at rest and regularly backing up data. Offering multi-factor authentication signup, and adopting comprehensive security and privacy policies are also great examples. 

To store your data elsewhere can also be an advantage. That's because it ensures that physical access to a computer does not necessarily mean access to your sensitive information.  

3. On Premise vs Cloud Cost Differences

Having an on premise system means that the company has developed a system from the ground up or has purchased a perpetual license from a third party vendor. It also means that software updates require additional development or purchases. Therefore, on premises software demands a lot of effort and comes at a hefty cost. 

Moreover, as mentioned above, having an on premise software means that most IT services regarding the software will be your responsibility. You will have to cover all security costs, and have a dedicated team for software maintenance and monitoring. In order to make that work, a company needs to have a capable IT team and proper hardware to support such operations.

Comparatively, cloud-based software is a lot more cost-effective than an on premise system. Since most of the time this software is provided as a service, companies purchase a non-exclusive license to use it by paying a nominal subscription fee. This fee may include software updates and maintenance. 

In addition, cloud software vendors usually offer a lot of additional services. For instance, emergency repairs, security measures, user support, and implementation operations. Cloud technology gives businesses new capabilities that they did not have nor were aware of before.

4. Access & Mobility

On top of cost and security cloud vs on premise comparisons, another important differentiation we should make is software access. On premise essentially means that employees will have to physically access the system through a company computer and network.

The physical limitation of the on prem systems is why cloud SaaS has been a major tech trend today. One can access cloud SaaS anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection.

In addition, cloud software is an increasingly attractive solution in our remote working, globalized era. Particularly after the recent COVID-19 pandemic, offices are more fluid, and information needs to be available and decentralized. Being accessible anywhere and anytime, from a desktop computer or mobile phone, is the ultimate advantage the cloud holds over on premise software.    

5. On Premise Versus Cloud for Event Professionals

Ok, so what does all that mean for event professionals? What would be the best option between on premise and cloud event management software? After taking a closer look at each comparison point above, it is evident that cloud-based event software is more advantageous than on premise systems.

The event industry is a dynamic one. It is common for employees to be working on site or from home. Scenarios change fast and the industry needs to be able to adapt. For that reason, a cloud based software may be the best choice for event management because it allows access to several users from anywhere they may be. That is especially true if you are part of a global event management team.

Event management departments working from within larger businesses and corporations don’t always have a lot of expertise in IT. Cloud based software vendors, on the other hand, have a dedicated team of skilled developers. They have all the tools and knowledge required to provide appropriate support and maintenance.

Cost is another important factor to consider when deciding between cloud vs on premise event management software. As discussed here, cloud systems are much more cost-effective than on premise alternatives. Moreover,  cloud-based software will likely save resources and time for the company, which means saving money. A smart, modern, efficient web-based event platform can bring lucrative changes and new opportunities to your company that will more than compensate for any new expenses.

6. What Timely Event Software Has to Offer

Timely is a secure, reliable cloud-based event management software that has been on the market for more than 10 years. We have a dedicated team working on its functionalities to make sure it is the best, most efficient event platform out there.

We streamline your event management tasks and build useful, beautiful event calendars that match your brand. You can easily create events and publish them online. Moreover, you can offer event registration and sell event tickets, all from your own website. Timely event software solutions can help you increase website traffic and event awareness, while keep your audience happy and engaged.

Check our beautiful demo event calendars to see how Timely event software would look like in your website. Contact us today to learn more!