SaaS vs. on-premises - Which is the right solution for your shift planning?
There are basically two models for obtaining shift planning software: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and on-premise. With SaaS, the software is hosted by an external provider and made available in cloud solutions. On-premise, on the other hand, means that the software is installed and operated on the company's own servers. Both models have their advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your business situation, one model may be clearly superior to the other. You should therefore check which one best suits your requirements and possibilities.
SaaS
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a software delivery model in which the software applications, such as those for shift planning, are hosted remotely and users access them via the internet. In other words, SaaS allows users to use software applications without having to install or manage the software on their local devices.
In this model, software providers host the shift planning software on their own servers, maintain it and make it available to users via a web browser or a dedicated application. Users pay a subscription fee to access the software, usually on a monthly or annual basis.
SaaS applications can range from simple productivity tools such as email or word processing to more complex business applications such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) syst
On-Premises
On-premises hosting, also known as on-prem or on-premises deployment, is a software delivery model in which software applications such as shift planning solutions are installed and run locally on an organization's own servers or hardware, rather than being hosted in the cloud or on a third-party infrastructure.
In this model, companies purchase or lease the necessary hardware and software licenses to run the software on their own premises and then manage and maintain it themselves. This includes tasks such as installing updates and upgrades, monitoring performance and fixing problems.
On-premises hosting is often used by companies that have strict security or compliance requirements or need better control over their IT infrastructure.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each model?
SaaS
Advantages
Quickly & flexibly scalable as required
No time and money spent on updates
IT expertise & maintenance work are provided by the provider
Very high level of data protection, as technically up to date
High server performance for computing-intensive processes
Greater flexibility and low initial investment minimize risk
Minimal risk of failure
Disadvantages
Storage on servers outside the EU can cause data protection problems
On-Premises
Advantages
Less dependence on third parties
More complete control over data
Disadvantages
High costs for hardware acquisition and maintenance
High investment in dedicated personnel & expertise
High administrative costs and IT resource requirements
Higher risk of failure, as it is generally not possible to simply switch to other data centers in the event of a failure
Cannot be scaled in the short term, as new hardware is often required for this
Limited flexibility increases the risk
Data security and protection requires a very high level of in-house effort
Fewer options for automated updates and patches
Is SaaS or on-premises the right solution for your shift planning solution?
The decision to choose SaaS or on-premises hosting ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the business, as well as factors such as budget and resources. Here are some of the most important ones for the 2 models summarized:
SaaS:
- Cost-effective: With SaaS, companies no longer need to invest in hardware, software licenses for servers and IT staff to manage the software. This results in lower upfront costs and easily calculable monthly or annual costs.
- Scalability: With SaaS, companies can easily adapt their licenses to changing needs and easily add users as required
- No in-house maintenance and support work: SaaS providers are responsible for updates, upgrades and maintenance of the software, allowing companies to focus on their core activities.
On-Premises hosting:
- Control: With on-premises hosting, companies retain complete control over their IT infrastructure. This means there is less dependency on third parties.
Ultimately, the decision for SaaS or on-premises hosting depends on the company's individual needs and requirements. They should consider their options carefully and weigh up the costs and benefits of each option before making a decision.
