MDM: Cloud or On-Premise – Which Model for Which Profile?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software are crucial in managing, securing, and deploying mobile devices within organizations. They allow remote centralized control of devices and applications, offering features such as data security, geolocation, update management, and network connection control.

Depending on the vendor, these solutions can be deployed via two primary hosting models:  Cloud or On-Premise. Each model corresponds to a specific licensing structure, defining how and where data and applications are hosted and managed. The choice between these two models depends on an organization's security, flexibility, and cost management needs.

1. Flexibility and Scalability

Cloud solutions, also known as SaaS, offer exceptional flexibility, enabling companies to adjust their resources based on mobile device management needs quickly. Scalability is one of the key advantages, allowing the easy addition or removal of users or devices without requiring additional infrastructure. This adaptability makes Cloud an excellent choice for growing companies or organizations requiring high responsiveness.

2. Included Maintenance and Updates

Another significant advantage of Cloud is that the service provider fully manages maintenance and updates. This significantly reduces the IT team’s workload, as they don’t need to manage the software infrastructure manually. Organizations benefit from continuous access to the latest versions, security patches, and new features, ensuring an optimized and secure solution at all times.

3. Predictable Costs and Lower Initial Investment

Cloud models typically operate monthly or annual subscriptions, making cost planning more predictable. Unlike On-Premise models, there is no need for a significant upfront investment in software acquisition or internal infrastructure setup. This model is particularly advantageous for businesses looking to minimize initial costs while accessing a high-quality solution.

4. Rapid Deployment and Simplified Management

Deploying a Cloud solution does not require complex on-site installations, enabling quick implementation. Daily management is simplified through web interfaces accessible from any internet-connected device. This ease of use facilitates support operations, making it ideal for companies with limited IT infrastructure or system administrator expertise. It is especially suited for businesses aiming to reduce manual interventions.

Generally speaking, most software solution providers, including MDM solutions, offer them in cloud mode, sometimes without any alternative.

On-Premise mode for MDM software

In the professional software domain, On-Premise refers to a deployment and licensing model where the software is hosted directly on the company’s internal servers. Unlike the Cloud, where data and applications are managed remotely, On-Premise requires the organization to handle system installation, management, and security on its infrastructure. This approach offers complete control over the entire infrastructure and data maintained within the company’s servers under its policies.

1. Total Control Over Data

On-premise models provide companies with complete control over their data. Information is stored on internal servers, giving the organization complete authority over security and access. This enables tailored data protection measures to meet specific company needs, making this solution popular in highly regulated sectors or environments demanding absolute data control.

2. High Initial Investment and Infrastructure Sizing

One significant drawback of On-Premise is its high initial investment. In addition to software license acquisition costs, companies must invest in hardware infrastructure, server installation, and human resources to manage the equipment.

Additionally, precise infrastructure sizing is crucial—underestimating needs can result in insufficient capacity while overestimating may lead to unnecessary expenses. This issue is eliminated with SaaS, as the provider handles infrastructure and automatically adjusts to evolving requirements.

Another difficulty lies in the sizing of this infrastructure: it has to be precisely adapted to the company's needs, or else end up with insufficient capacity or, on the contrary, an excess of unused resources and avoidable extra costs. Conversely, this problem disappears with SaaS, as the supplier takes over the infrastructure and automatically adapts to changing needs.

3. Full Maintenance Responsibility

companies are responsible for maintaining their infrastructure, systems, software, and essential components with an On-Premise solution. This includes managing updates, security patches, and potential system failures. While this grants greater autonomy, it requires technical expertise and increased workload.

Hosting and Licensing Models of Clyd MDM software

The MDM Clyd by Telelogos is designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Some companies prefer retaining complete control over their infrastructure, minimizing exposure to the Internet. In contrast, others seek a comprehensive solution that provides the Clyd software with regular updates and managed infrastructure without technical concerns.

To address these varied requirements, Telelogos offers its MDM software in both Cloud and On-Premise modes, allowing each organization to select the best approach to its needs. This flexibility positions Clyd uniquely in the market, standing out from vendors limited exclusively to Cloud-based solutions.

CAPEX or OPEX ?

SaaS (Cloud) operates as a subscription-based model, providing a service accessible for a recurring fee.

On Premise is available in the form of capital expenditure (CAPEX) or operating expenditure (OPEX), depending on the company's financial strategy:

• Perpetual License (CAPEX): Companies can make a one-time software purchase, capitalizing on the investment. Organizations often favor this option to reduce recurring costs and maintain complete infrastructure control. Annual maintenance contracts are typically subscribed to ensure regular updates.
• Subscription License (OPEX): This alternative smooths costs over time while maintaining the advantages of an on-site infrastructure.

In all three cases (SaaS, CAPEX, and OPEX), all management, deployment, and security functionalities are identical, regardless of the licensing mode chosen for your MDM, guaranteeing a consistent and comprehensive user experience. This ability to meet a wide range of operational and technical needs in terms of hosting and licensing makes Clyd a remarkably flexible and cost-effective solution.