Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) adoption is at an all time high, with many businesses increasing their cloud spend year-on-year. And it’s not hard to see why. With cloud-based software, organisations benefit from increased agility, lower costs and fewer maintenance responsibilities.
However, while the ‘cloud-first’ rhetoric still holds strong for many, it’s not a one-size fits all solution.
This is something the Claromentis team has witnessed first hand. For some of our customers, a SaaS intranet is a well-matched investment. For others, an on-premise intranet software is better suited to their technical and regulatory requirements.
If you’re in the process of looking for an intranet solution and need some advice around your hosting options, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll help you understand when SaaS isn’t the best choice.
7 signs a SaaS intranet isn’t for you
1. Your business handles highly sensitive data
Your intranet solution is bound to contain a wealth of data, regardless of whether you opt for a cloud or on-premise deployment.
Some of this information may be perfectly harmless for third-party consumption. However, a large portion will contain personal information, including business financials and employee contact details. Naturally, this is the sort of data you don’t want leaking outside of your business.
With an on-premise intranet solution, you can ensure this data stays on-premise. This limits the chance of external threats and malicious cybercriminals infiltrating your systems. Though it’s worth remembering that the risk of internal threat actors still remains.
2. You need to comply with strict data security regulations
The regulations you need to follow will differ depending on your industry and location. Some of the biggest data protection acts out there include the GDPR, HIPAA, the Data Protection Act, and Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law. Of course, this doesn’t include non-statutory standards such as ISO 27001, which many businesses also strive to achieve.
With the right audit management tools and processes, you can comply with these regulations on-premise and in the cloud. However, an on-premise deployment may provide additional peace of mind. This is because your IT teams retain full control over the software installation and its security, allowing them to implement patches and upgrades whenever they see fit.
3. Your IT environment hinges on legacy technology
Does your business still depend on a legacy infrastructure to keep the cogs turning? If so, you might find that a cloud-based intranet solution is too tricky to integrate with your existing systems. In this scenario, an on-premise instalment can be a simpler and more painless alternative.
4. You require higher levels of customisation
Most SaaS intranet providers will offer a shared tenancy installation. Because of this, your business will have less customisation options available, meaning you’ll have to make do with your vendor’s limited out-of-the-box capabilities.
If you require bespoke applications or functionality, a single-tenancy SaaS or on-premise deployment will suit you better. That way, you can craft an intranet solution that aligns with your unique business needs and delivers profitable results.
5. You have the IT resources to maintain your own in-house deployment
With a SaaS deployment, the infrastructure and its ongoing maintenance is under your vendor’s care. They’re responsible for deploying updates, implementing security checks, and managing IT resources – leaving you free to make the most of your intranet.
With an on-premise deployment, however, most of the security and maintenance responsibilities lie with you. This can be a stumbling point for some smaller organisations. But if you have a reliable IT team and the resources to maintain the intranet in-house, on-premise shouldn’t be an issue.
6. You’d rather pay an upfront cost than commit to an ongoing subscription
For some companies, paying one upfront fee can be more appealing than incurring monthly costs. If that rings true for you, it’s worth looking into an in-house solution.
At Claromentis, we provide on-premise intranets at a highly competitive rate. There are no pricey add-ons or hidden costs either – just one feature-rich platform.
7. You have limited internet access
The fundamental purpose of an intranet is to boost employee engagement, productivity and collaboration. Of course, it’s hard to achieve those goals when the intranet itself won’t load.
Though most organisations will have reliable internet, some may not. So if you reside in a town with a patchy broadband connection, an on-premise intranet may be better for your team’s productivity (and sanity).
3 industries that can benefit most from an on premise intranet software
While businesses in any sector can benefit from an on-premise intranet, some can benefit more than others.
Finance and insurance
Financial services institutions across the globe are subject to stringent regulations, including the GDPR, the GBLA and DORA. With stacks of personal data in their possession – and the pressure to keep it from slipping through their fingers – these organisations frequently opt for on-premise software solutions.
However, data security isn’t the only reason for going down the in-house route. According to the FCA, over 90% of financial services institutions still rely on legacy applications to deliver their services. As a result, on-premise solutions are often a necessity.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector is another industry that faces immense data security scrutiny. In accordance with regulations like the GDPR and HIPAA, organisations must actively monitor and safeguard protected health information (PHI) for the sake of patient privacy.
It can be easier to secure this data with an on-premise healthcare intranet software – particularly if it comes with a suite of watertight security features. This is what one of our healthcare clients, Medcor, was able to achieve with an on-premise Claromentis deployment. The in-house intranet adheres to their stringent HIPAA requirements while also integrating seamlessly with their existing tech stack.
Legal services
As you can imagine, legal firms handle a staggering amount of sensitive information that stretches far beyond personal data. This includes but isn’t limited to: legal strategies, case notes, witness dispositions, and court papers.
Yet, despite this, they’re one of the largest culprits of data breaches.
To limit access to this data and prevent external threats, firms may opt for an on-premise legal intranet software. That way, they can maintain greater control over their information without compromising collaboration or efficiency.
SaaS or on-premise: which should you choose?
For the majority of cases, the Claromentis team strongly recommends adopting our SaaS offering. Hosted in the watertight Google Cloud and built with data protection in mind, our SaaS intranet software is a highly secure and convenient option for 90% of customers.
That being said, there are occasions where a cloud-first approach isn’t suitable, whether that’s down to regulatory requirements, limited internet access or inflexible legacy systems. Fortunately, you needn’t see this as a compromise.
At Claromentis, we provide fully customisable SaaS and on-premise intranet solutions. Both deployment options come ready-made with four powerful platforms and a suite of watertight security features. This empowers your organisation to enhance operational excellence, boost collaboration and increase employee engagement – all while keeping your data under lock and key.
If you’re interested in learning more about our on-premise intranet solutions, please download our in-depth technical guide.
