Companies spend large amounts of money developing and installing software to improve their operations. Where in the past all software was installed on local servers, nowadays most companies choose a cloud-based solution. This brings your company many benefits. Are you doubting whether it’s time to go to the cloud? In this article we will explain what Software as a Service (SaaS) is, we inform you about the difference between a cloud and an on-premise solution and we share our thoughts about why you should consider a cloud-based solution.
Cloud computing enables your business to access software on the internet as a service. There are three major categories in cloud computing services: Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS).
In this article we will go more in-depth on the SaaS solution, since this applies to our locker management software Releezme.
The Releezme software is the heart of the Vecos locker management system. Releezme makes the electronic lockers smart and ensures that they work correctly and safely. That software is "on-premise" or hosted within Microsoft Azure in the Cloud as a SaaS service. We are happy to explain what this means exactly and what the differences are.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service, also known as SaaS, is a cloud-based service where instead of downloading software to your desktop PC or business network to run and update, you directly access an application via an internet browser. SaaS providers deliver complete and ready-to-use software packages including hosting.
These services are fully focused on the end user experience. As a user you do not need to have any technical knowledge to be able to use this solution. Before discussing the cloud based solutions we will shortly introduce the alternative, being an on-premise solution.
On-premise solutions
Right now a lot of companies still host their software on-premise. Let’s take a look at our locker management software Releezme and what happens in an on-premise situation. On-premise software means that Releezme is installed on a local Windows server in your organization.
The locker setup is then connected to your network and the software and will be ready for use. With the on-premise solution you have a closed system where you can use the software and of course the lockers locally. You have access to the configuration options in the software and information about the locker use. This data relating to locker use is stored at the location that you have arranged.
For some companies this is the only solution to use because there is a company policy that excludes any use of cloud.
If your organization is thinking of going cloud or has a cloud first policy, we really recommend you to do so. SaaS solutions give a lot more flexibility, are easier scalable and you are always sure that your software is up-to-date, since it can be automatically updated on distance.
Cloud-based locker management solution
With cloud-based software, the locker management software is hosted in the cloud. To be precise in the Microsoft Azure cloud service. Most importantly, a separate and protected environment is created within Releezme for your organization. The locker management software is offered as a service: Software as a Service (SaaS).
Via a secure connection (https) you have access to the configuration options in the software and information about the locker use. The data related to locker use is GDPR-proof and stored securely in the environment reserved for your organization in the cloud. With the SaaS solution you have a shielded system, but with more service options and flexibility compared to an on-premise solution.
We explained SaaS and the difference between an on-premise and a cloud-based solution. From the previous paragraphs, it is already showing that the cloud-based solution offers more benefits than the on-premise solution.
We believe that the future is cloud-based and therefore we summarize six reasons why your organization should at least consider a cloud-based solution:
6 Reasons to choose for a cloud-based solution:
1. Reduced costs
Establishing and running a data center is expensive. You need to purchase the right equipment and hire technicians to install and manage the center. When you shift to cloud computing, you will only pay for the services procured.
2. Flexibility
One of the major benefits of cloud computing is mobility. The service gives you and your employees the flexibility to work from any location. A facility manager can manage multiple premises from just one location, since there is no physical attendance required to manage the software.
3. Scalability
The traditional way of planning for unexpected growth is to purchase and keep additional servers, storage, and licenses. This requires installation time and high investments, where it’s always highly difficult to judge how much extra storage you really need. Scaling cloud computing services is easy, it’s fast and accurate, it’s based on your exact needs. The cloud-based software can easily handle the data stream of hundreds of thousands of lockers.
4. No need for a backup plan
Traditional computing system require back up plans especially for data storage. A disaster can lead to permanent data loss if no backup storage is in place. Businesses do not require any such means when storing data on a cloud. The backup is provided as part of the service. The data will always be available as long as users have an internet connection.
5. Data security
Storing data in the cloud is safe. A breach of security at your premises can lead compromised data security if laptops or computers are stolen. Vecos uses the most advanced data security methods to make sure your data is safely stored in the cloud.
6. Remote service and software-updates
Vecos can update the Releezme software centrally with minimal impact to business operations for users. This is in stark contrast to on-premise software that will often require a degree of compatibility and endpoint security testing before even routine updates and patches can be applied.
Try the Releezme demo now
In this article, we showed you some of the differences between an on-premise and a cloud-based solution and we explained why we recommend you to go for a cloud-based solution. At Vecos we have many years of experience implementing software solutions, both on-premise and in the cloud.
If you are still undecided which solutions fit your organization best, feel free to contact us so that we can think along with you. Are you curious what Releezme could do for your organization? Request our demo and we are happy to show you!
