The race to virtualize data centers and transition away from traditional on-premise software installations to more cloud-based applications and services is perhaps the top priority for large, enterprise-class customers.
But as Small Business Computing reports, the best option for small and midsized businesses appears to be a hybrid approach that lets your company enjoy the best of both worlds without overspending in the process.
In some cases, it might also be the only option.
Most companies will continue to use a combination of both traditional on-premise software and cloud-based SaaS solutions. Think about it: You are unlikely to get rid of an application you’re running in-house just to swap in a SaaS solution. But if you need a new solution, you’re likely to look a range of options, including SaaS applications, to fit the bill.
In some newer areas — such as email marketing or social media management — this may be the only way solutions are even available. In cases where you have a choice, you may simply decide that the SaaS model makes more sense, or that traditional deployment will work better for your company.
A hybrid computing platform lets customers connect the packaged small business software applications that they run on their own internal desktops or servers to applications that run in the cloud.
As discussed in “What is Cloud Computing and Why Should You Care?,” more software vendors are deciding to develop and deliver new applications as cloud-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions.
This model helps them reach a broader market and serve customers more efficiently and cost-effectively. And, because cloud computing can often provide significant cost, time and ease-of-use benefits, more companies are choosing to buy and deploy cloud computing solutions instead of conventional on-premise software as new solutions needs arise.