Harnessing cost efficiency and data security: exploring the advantages of self-hosted software
In today’s digital landscape, organizations face critical decisions when it comes to selecting solutions that meet their unique requirements. One such consideration revolves around the hosting of applications and data: the choice between utilizing cloud-based services or adopting self-hosted software. In this article, we explore hosting the software on a private network, walking through the self-hosted software definition, advantages, and the implications it holds for businesses seeking greater control, customization, and data security.
What is self-hosted software
Self-hosted software, also called on-premises software, is an application or an ecosystem of apps installed on a private network rather than accessed in the cloud provided by a vendor. Sometimes, the apps you can use in the cloud are also offered as self-hosted solution, with nearly the only difference being the hosting location, for instance, ONLYOFFICE DocSpace.
Self-hosted software can cover a wide range of applications, including content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) tools, project management software, email servers, file sharing platforms, and more. The software can be installed on dedicated servers, virtual private servers (VPS), or even on personal computers, depending on the requirements and resources available.
The key characteristic of self-hosted software is that it allows users to have complete control over their data, security, customization, and integration capabilities. By hosting the software themselves, users can tailor it to their specific needs, ensuring privacy, implementing robust security measures, and customizing the software’s functionality to fit their workflows. Self-hosted software can provide greater flexibility, cost-efficiency, and the ability to adhere to specific compliance or regulatory requirements.
The hard part is the investment in maintenance and expertise. Hosting collaborative apps of big scale requires availability of the infrastructure, as well as the qualified, skillful specialists to handle setup, maintain updates and backups, and be ready to perform timely troubleshooting. With reliable assets at hand, this challenging task can bear many fruits for an organization.
What are the advantages of self-hosted software?
On-premises deployment offers several advantages that make it an attractive choice for an organization. Here are some key advantages often determining the positive choice.
Control and ownership
One of the primary advantages of self-hosted software is the complete control and ownership it provides. By hosting the software on your own infrastructure, you have full authority over the configuration, customization, and data management. This control allows you to adapt the software to your specific needs and retain ownership of your data.
Privacy and security
Self-hosted software offers enhanced privacy and security. Since you manage the hosting environment, you have the ability to implement robust security measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular updates. This can be particularly important for sensitive data or applications where privacy is a top priority, being a major reason on-premises hosting is a principle imposed by regulations of some sectors like government and education.
Cost efficiency
Depending on the scale and requirements, self-hosting software can be cost-effective in the long run. While there may be initial setup costs, ongoing expenses such as subscription fees or licensing fees can be eliminated. Additionally, scaling the infrastructure can be more cost-efficient when managed internally rather than relying on external providers.
Customization and flexibility
Self-hosted software allows for greater customization and flexibility. You can tailor the software to fit your specific workflows and integrate it with other tools or systems within your infrastructure. This level of customization empowers you to create a software environment that aligns precisely with your needs.
Reliability and availability
You have direct control over the availability and uptime of your applications. By implementing redundant systems, load balancing, and backup mechanisms, you can ensure high availability and minimize downtime, which might not be in your control if you use these tools provided as a service. This can be critical for businesses that rely heavily on their software for daily operations.
Community support and collaboration
Many self-hosted solutions have active communities surrounding them, especially in the open-source field. This fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the opportunity to benefit from the collective expertise of other users. You can find support, guidance, and even contribute back to the software’s development, leading to continuous improvement.
How secure is self-hosted software?
Self-hosted software offers a high level of security through its inherent control over infrastructure and data. With the ability to implement tailored security measures, maintain data privacy, and reduce exposure to external threats, organizations can enhance their overall security posture.
Custom security configurations, rapid response to issues, and the expertise of an IT team contribute to the robustness of self-hosted software. However, it requires ongoing maintenance, resources, and expertise, and organizations must weigh the trade-offs between control and the shared security responsibilities of cloud-based solutions.
Robust collaboration on your terms: ONLYOFFICE DocSpace
Managing office software within your own organization is not as challenging as it may appear, as the effort is worthwhile for the benefits of complete control and privacy. In the reality where security threats thrive and the claims made by proprietary providers are questionable, you must carefully consider the importance of security and stability of the system that hosts your data.
ONLYOFFICE DocSpace is an open-source collaborative space that provides you with reliable document editing, sharing, and collaboration tools, as well as full control over your data and freedom to customize, integrate, and scale your platform. It is offered as a lifetime-licensed product that becomes yours permanently, and offered in both Enterprise and Community editions, depending on your needs and resources.
