SaaS vs On-Premise Software: Key Differences
概述
Choosing between SaaS and on-premise software depends on an organization’s priorities around control, cost, security, scalability, and operational flexibility. This guide breaks down the key differences to help teams make informed architectural and purchasing decisions.
Hosting and Infrastructure
- SaaS: Hosted in the cloud by the provider; requires no infrastructure setup by the customer.
- On-Premise: Installed locally on the organization’s servers; requires in-house management and maintenance.
Cost Model
- SaaS: Subscription-based (monthly/yearly); includes updates, hosting, and support.
- On-Premise: One-time license fee plus infrastructure, support, and upgrade costs.
Deployment Speed
- SaaS: Instant access after signup; no local installation needed.
- On-Premise: Longer setup time due to installation, configuration, and security checks.
Maintenance and Updates
- SaaS: Provider manages patches, feature rollouts, and system health.
- On-Premise: Customer is responsible for maintenance, backups, and updates.
Customization and Control
- SaaS: Limited customization; configuration is typically bounded by platform design.
- On-Premise: High customization potential; full control over code, data, and integrations.
Security and Compliance
- SaaS: Relies on provider’s infrastructure security; often includes compliance certifications.
- On-Premise: Organization retains full control over security policies and data access.
可扩展性
- SaaS: Easily scales with user growth via cloud resources.
- On-Premise: Scaling requires new hardware and manual resource planning.
Use Cases
- Choose SaaS if you want faster deployment, lower upfront cost, and minimal IT overhead.
- Choose On-Premise if you need strict control over data, require full customization, or operate in highly regulated environments.
Related Context
