On-Prem Servers vs. Cloud Servers: What’s Best for Your Fire Department?

On-Prem Servers: More Control, More Work

1. Pros:
   • You’re in Control: With on-prem servers, everything stays within your department’s walls. You decide how things work.
   • Custom Fit: You can customize the hardware setup to meet your department’s specific needs.
   • No Need for Internet: If your internet’s down, your on-prem servers still run.
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2. Cons:
   • Big Costs: You’ve got to buy the hardware, maintain it, and staff someone to take care of it—often a heavy load on the budget.
   • Limited Flexibility: Want to add more storage or upgrade? It’s not as simple as clicking a button and could add substantial additional cost.
   • All Eyes on You for Security: If anything goes wrong, you’re responsible for making sure your data is protected and secure.

Cloud Servers: Easy Access, Less Hassle

1. Pros:
   • Scalable & Cost-Effective: The cloud is pay-as-you-go. You only pay for what you need, and if you need more, it’s easy to scale up without buying new equipment.
   • Access Anywhere: Whether you’re at the station or out on a call, as long as you’ve got an internet connection, you can access your data anytime.
   • Automatic Updates: The cloud handles the updates for you, so you don’t have to worry about buying new servers or installing patches.
2. Cons:
   • Internet Dependence: If your internet goes down, so does your access to cloud data.
   • Possible Outages: While rare, cloud services can go down, and you don’t always have control over when that happens.
   • You Still Need to Manage Access: While your provider secures the system, you’re still responsible for making sure your team has the right permissions to access what they need.
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Key Considerations For Your Department

You need to think about and consider your department’s specific needs:

• Data Sensitivity: Does your department handle sensitive data requiring enhanced security measures
• Compliance Requirements: Are there regulations that dictate where and how data is stored?
• Budget and Resources: Can your team afford the upfront costs of on-prem servers, or does the subscription-based model of the cloud make more sense?
• Response Speed: Will cloud accessibility enhance your team’s ability to respond to incidents efficiently
• Maintenance and Updates: Would the ability to automatically run updates on your platform reduce the burden on your team?

Making the Right Choice

The right choice depends on your department’s unique needs, priorities, and resources. By carefully assessing the risks and benefits, you can build a resilient and efficient infrastructure to support your requirements.

For departments using RedNMX™, all the benefits of cloud servers are right at your fingertips. With RedNMX™ stored securely in Microsoft Azure, you don’t have to worry about maintaining physical servers. You’ll always have access to your data when you need it, whether you’re at the station or out in the field. Integrations are smoother and more reliable, with automatic updates and centralized support that reduce downtime. Plus, Alpine Software handles all the security, so you can focus on what really matters: protecting your community.

Your department’s needs, budget, and goals will determine whether on-prem or cloud servers are the way to go. But with RedNMX™ in the cloud, you get a solution that’s simple, secure, and made to support your team works every day.

Got questions or need help figuring out the best option? Let’s chat to help you find the right solution for your department.