The stakes are high when it comes to access control and protecting your business, and choosing the right system can make all the difference. Today’s organizations must decide between cloud-based and on-premises access control systems, two powerful solutions that can impact security, scalability and overall efficiency. This guide weighs the benefits of cloud-based access control vs. on-premises, offering insights about both that can help you make an informed decision for your company.
Understanding Cloud-Based and On-Premises Access Control
Before comparing benefits, it’s important to understand the key differences between cloud-based and on-premises access control models. The two systems differ primarily in where they reside.
- On-premises: With on-premises access control, all hardware, software and data are physically hosted on an organization’s premises. Businesses handle the security measures, software updates, system modifications and user login and permissions, having full control over their security infrastructure and data privacy. As such, choosing this type of system means you’ll need dedicated space and an internal or contracted team to manage it.
- Cloud-based: Cloud-based services store data on remote servers that are managed by a third-party provider. Users can access and manage permissions through a web browser, mobile app or any internet-connected device from anywhere, making remote administration easy.
While on-premises access control systems can offer greater control, they require a higher upfront investment and ongoing maintenance. In contrast, cloud-based systems can provide a lower initial cost and be conveniently managed remotely, but need a stable internet connection to function properly.
Comparing the Benefits of Access Control Models
On-premises and cloud-based access control models offer their own unique advantages, helping everyone from enterprises and big tech companies to schools and hospitals safeguard their data and operate smoothly. To choose the right system, you’ll want to consider several factors, weighing the benefits of cloud-based access control vs. on-premises:
Initial Cost and Long-Term Pricing
If your business is fine with an upfront investment and has an IT team or provider, an on-premises system might be ideal. With this system, you pay for the on-site infrastructure, such as servers, software licensing and ongoing upkeep. If, however, you seek lower upfront costs and are fine with subscription-based pricing, a cloud-based solution might be the better choice. Offered on a subscription basis, cloud-based solutions reduce the need for large initial capital outlays. Pricing might be structured as a predictable monthly or annual fee.
System Scalability and Flexibility
Cloud-based access control is best suited for businesses planning to expand or manage multiple locations remotely. With this system, you can add new locations, employees or integrations quickly through the software without a major hardware overhaul or significant investments. On-premises solutions can be more complex to scale, often requiring organizations to purchase and install new hardware. However, you can tailor on-premises systems for your specific business needs, giving you flexibility in security configurations.
Ongoing Maintenance and Updates
With on-premises, you’ll need reliable IT professionals to maintain your security updates and system operations. With cloud-based access control, your service provider will manage software updates, security patches and maintenance. They’ll automatically handle upkeep so your system is always current.
Remote Access and Management
If your business needs remote access control, real-time monitoring and easy integration with other security systems, a cloud-based solution is probably the better option for you. Administrators can manage access rights, check activity logs and oversee security from any internet-connected device, anywhere. Modern cloud-based solutions keep door controllers and make local decisions if the internet goes down. Administrative tasks might pause at this time.
On-premises access control is ideal for businesses that need local management and don’t have remote access needs. The system operates locally, so it will continue functioning even if internet is not stable.
Security and Data Protection
With an on-premises system, you have full responsibility over your data security. While this gives you complete control, it also means you need a dedicated IT team to manage firewalls, prevent breaches and keep your physical server secure. Essentially, the system’s safety is entirely dependent on your internal resources and expertise.
In contrast, reputable cloud providers invest heavily in enterprise-grade security measures. Cybersecurity experts will manage threats around the clock, making sure your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, offering a strong security infrastructure as part of your subscription.
Which System Is Right for Your Organization?
The right system depends on your specific organization, as security needs differ for enterprises, schools and hospitals:
- Schools and campuses: Schools and campuses need to manage access across multiple buildings. Cloud-based models can be a good fit, because they’ll secure sensitive areas and can easily update credentials for students and staff with each new semester.
- Hospitals and healthcare: Cloud systems are also helpful for hospitals, as they can support compliance by providing detailed audit trails and easily managed access levels for restricted areas like pharmacies or patient record rooms. However, if you need to maintain physical control over servers that manage your security data, you may need on-premises. A professional consultation will help you navigate compliance and security needs to choose the best fit for your organization.
- Commercial real estate: A cloud-based system can simplify managing access for multiple tenants in one building, enabling easy onboarding and offboarding of tenant employees.
- Enterprises and tech companies: Cloud solutions can be very flexible for businesses with multiple office locations or a hybrid workforce, allowing for centralized security management across all sites.
Ultimately, choose on-premises access control if you need full control over data storage and security, or you have a professional IT team to handle maintenance and updates. Choose cloud-based access control if you need remote access and management from anywhere, your business has multiple locations or you prefer automatic updates and maintenance.
Partner With Morefield for Expert Security Solutions
Selecting between cloud-based and on-premises access control isn’t one size fits all. It depends on your sites, compliance needs, budget and plans for expansion. To help you decide, choose a professional assessment at Morefield. We are Central Pennsylvania’s local security technology partner, providing business security solutions since 1945. Our experts will evaluate your facilities, network and workflows to design, implement and provide the best-fit solution, from modern on-premises to flexible cloud or a hybrid approach.
Morefield also offers cloud and managed technology services to help with maintenance and security, lowering costs and increasing efficiency. We have the expertise and experience to develop a solution that secures your organization. Contact us today for a consultation to evaluate on‑premises, cloud or hybrid access control for your facilities.
