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On premises server vs hosted server: What's the best choice for your business?
Here's what you need to know to make this decision
Dear reader
Upgrading your IT server is a significant decision and choosing between a purchased or hosted solution can be complex. Both options offer distinct benefits—ownership gives you full control, while hosting offers flexibility and lower upfront costs. But how do you decide which is the right choice for your business? This article breaks down the key differences, costs, and considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Real-World Examples: Choose Wisely One of our clients faced a break-in over the weekend and lost all of their IT devices. Fortunately, they had hosted servers with us, running their Pastel environment and their client database services. We got them new laptops on the same day, and they were up and running by that afternoon. |  Thinking strategically |
Contrast this with another client who had an old, large server onsite that crashed and couldn’t be restored. We had backups but it took months to find a replacement server with equivalent specifications—at a significant unbudgeted cost, not to mention major productivity losses. 📌 Read on to find out which solution works best for you. Choosing between these options depends on how your business prioritises cost, control, and convenience. If you need long-term savings and full control, an owned server might be ideal. But if you prefer scalability, hassle-free maintenance, and predictable costs, a hosted solution offers a more flexible approach. Consider your IT capabilities, security requirements, and growth plans before making the best choice for your business.
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Key considerations for your choice:
Factor | Buy Your Own Server | Use a Hosted Server |
|---|---|---|
Upfront Cost | High | Low |
Ongoing Costs | Lower, after purchase | Higher, subscription fees |
Scalability | Limited, hardware dependent | Highly flexible |
Security & Compliance | Customisable, but it’s your responsibility | Provider manages security as part of the service |
Reliability & Uptime | Depends on power supply & environment | Guaranteed by the provider |
Which is right for your business? Perhaps most important of all is that once you have made your decision, you need to select a service provider that you trust to deliver a service that is reliable and secure, focusing on infrastructure stability, good value and consistent service delivery. What makes Du Pont Solutions distinctive is our holistic approach and the personal nature of our service to you. It’s designed to give you the best results to fit your budget, while providing value-adding, sustainable and integrated solutions. If you want to know more, please reach out to us at [email protected] or contact Graeme directly. |
Read previous stories from Du Pont Solutions
📞 Key questions to ask across all your IT services:
* Does your provider understand your business needs?
* Is your provider available when you need them most?
* Is your provider transparent on power consumption and costs?
* Are usage rates for equipment, space and capacity clearly defined?
* Are the existing security protocols up to the highest standards?
Reach out to Graeme Victor if you'd like to delve into a discussion.
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