Exploring Shift from Cloud Solutions to On-Premise Infrastructure
In recent years, businesses worldwide have embraced cloud solutions for flexibility and convenience. However, a growing trend indicates that some are reconsidering this strategy, opting to return to on-premise infrastructure. What’s driving this change? Cost considerations, data control, and evolving security needs are all part of the equation. Let’s take a closer look at why on-premise solutions are regaining popularity. Why Are Businesses Shifting Back to On-Premise? While cloud computing continues to work well for many, a notable number of businesses are transitioning back to on-premise solutions. According to a recent Citrix study, 25% of organizations in the UK have already moved half or more of their cloud-based workloads back on-premise. This raises an important question — why? And should your business be considering a similar move? Here are five key reasons businesses are returning to on-premise infrastructure: 1. Long-Term Cost Efficiency At first glance, cloud services may appear cost-effective. However, the cumulative costs associated with monthly subscriptions, data storage, and potential price increases can add up. On-premise systems often require a higher initial investment, but they offer long-term savings by avoiding recurring costs. While maintenance costs exist with on-premise solutions, they tend to be more predictable, helping businesses budget more effectively. 2. Stable and Predictable Infrastructure Relying on a third-party cloud provider means relinquishing some control over your infrastructure. Service disruptions or changes in provider policies can lead to unexpected downtime. On-premise solutions allow businesses to retain full control over their infrastructure, reducing the risk of operational interruptions. For companies where uptime is critical, this stability is a significant advantage. 3. Enhanced Data Security Although cloud providers invest heavily in security measures, the responsibility for data protection ultimately lies with the business. Cloud storage can expose sensitive data to risks, including third-party vulnerabilities. On-premise solutions give businesses more control over their security protocols, enabling them to tailor their defenses to specific needs and mitigate the risk of external threats. 4. Customization and Flexibility Cloud services, while versatile, often come with limitations on customization. Businesses requiring highly tailored configurations may find themselves constrained by the options available. In contrast, on-premise solutions allow for greater customization of software and infrastructure, providing the flexibility to build systems that meet unique business requirements. 5. Compliance and Regulatory Control Industries such as healthcare, finance, and government face strict regulations surrounding data management. Meeting compliance requirements can be challenging when data is stored off-site in the cloud. On-premise solutions offer businesses more control over their data, simplifying the process of adhering to both local and international standards. Cloud vs. On-Premise: A Balanced Comparison While cloud solutions offer convenience, they may not be the best fit for every organization. The following comparison highlights key differences between cloud and on-premise infrastructure: Examples of Cloud Limitations Although cloud services remain a popular choice for many businesses, there have been instances where organizations have faced challenges due to unexpected changes in cloud offerings. Here are a few notable examples: Amazon WorkDocs Shutdown: Amazon’s recent discontinuation of WorkDocs left businesses needing to quickly find alternative solutions, highlighting the risk of abrupt service terminations. Google Cloud Print Discontinuation: In 2020, Google ended its Cloud Print service, forcing companies to restructure their printing systems — often at significant cost and inconvenience. Dropbox Paper Changes: The gradual phase-down of Dropbox Paper shows that cloud platforms can shift direction, potentially leaving businesses that rely on these services scrambling for replacements. These examples underscore the reality that relying on cloud services can involve risks outside of a company’s control. In contrast, on-premise solutions provide stability and autonomy over key systems, safeguarding businesses from such disruptions. Why Consider Thinkfree for On-Premise Needs? For businesses evaluating a shift to on-premise solutions, Thinkfree Office provides a reliable option. Key advantages include: Reliable Infrastructure Management: By moving away from cloud reliance, Thinkfree offers businesses the stability and predictability they need, helping avoid service outages and sudden changes. Data Sovereignty: Thinkfree, a Korean-based provider, ensures that your data is stored on your own servers, outside the jurisdiction of U.S. cloud providers. This can offer additional protection against external regulations such as the U.S. Cloud Act. Cost Efficiency: With Thinkfree, businesses can realize significant long-term cost savings by reducing the ongoing expenses typically associated with cloud services. Future-Proof Your Business with Thinkfree On-premise infrastructure offers a stable, secure, and cost-effective alternative to cloud services. Thinkfree Office gives businesses the tools to maintain control, enhance security, and manage costs more effectively, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to future-proof their IT operations. Interested in exploring on-premise solutions? Discover how Thinkfree can transform your business today. Recent articles
How Thinkfree Office Integration Transforms e-Sign Service
HancomSign is a new electronic signature service from Hancom, specialized in 35 years of software expertise. It serves major clients, including leading South Korean banks, government agencies, and educational institutions, and is the only company offering one-click office access without additional login steps. By simplifying the e-signature process, HancomSign boosts efficiency and has earned strong trust for its technology-driven solution. “To gain a competitive edge as a latecomer, HancomSign had to create features no one else has. By integrating Thinkfree Office, fully compatible with MS Office, we developed a process for real-time document editing without extra logins or licenses, providing superior usability that sets us apart. Thinkfree’s excellent technical support and responsiveness were key to overcoming challenges and delivering these standout features.” Challenge: Addressing User Frustration, Security Risks, and User Costs Issue When HancomSign entered the market, it faced the challenge of competing with numerous established e-sign services, some of which dominated the global market. In the competitive landscape of e-signature service, HancomSign faced significant challenges: Complicated User Journey: The need to open external editing tools involved cumbersome login steps, frustrating users and complicating the workflow. Security Risks: Utilizing external editors and servers introduced data breach vulnerabilities for sensitive client information. High User Costs: External office licenses and additional fees for re-signing documents after edits increased operational expenses. HancomSign found that existing services required separate programs like Microsoft Office for contract edits, adding license costs and extra fees for redistributing revised documents. This also increased data breach risks for sensitive clients and complicated the user experience with cumbersome login steps. To address this, HancomSign had to enable contract editing directly within the service, removing the need for extra software. This not only boosts security but also keeps HancomSign competitive. Solution: Thinkfree Office Integration for Enhanced UX and Reduced User Costs As an e-sign service provider, HancomSign decided to address these challenges by integrating an on-premise office suite that is fully compatible with MS Office. Thinkfree Office not only offers exceptional compatibility with MS Office formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint but also provides a familiar user experience, allowing our users to work without additional training. The integration also included a specialized adapter for streamlined document uploads and downloads between HancomSign and Thinkfree Office. Thinkfree Office’s proactive technical support ensured a seamless integration process, enhancing cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. OUTCOME: Building a Cost-Efficient and Optimized E-Sign process with Thinkfree Office With Thinkfree Office integration, users can edit directly in HancomSign without leaving the platform for an editor. By Integrating Thinkfree Office, HancomSign boosted operational efficiency and user satisfaction. Key outcomes include: Enhancing UX with a superior e-sign experience: Streamlined user journey now allows users to edit contracts anytime, anywhere, without the need to install or open separate programs. Security improvement: Data breach risks minimized. Sensitive documents are securely managed internally, with no exposure to external software, earning HancomSign high security praise. User cost reduction: HancomSign eliminated users’ office license fees and extra costs from redistributing revised documents, enabling collaborative real-time editing capabilities even for users without licenses. Thanks to these outcomes, HancomSign has gained the trust of a diverse range of clients, from small business owners to major banks, educational institutions, and government agencies. Thinkfree’s commitment to innovation, combined with its robust technology and support, has allowed HancomSign to deliver a superior e-sign service that meets the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining a competitive edge in the market. Explore How Thinkfree Office Can Transform Your E-Sign Service Looking to elevate your e-signature service and gain a competitive advantage? Discover how Thinkfree Office’s integration can enhance efficiency, security, and user experience for your platform. Contact our sales team or schedule a demo today to see how this powerful service can revolutionize your e-signature offerings. Stay ahead in the e-signature industry with innovative service and superior performance. Embrace the future of document management with Thinkfree Office. Recent articles