Saas Intranet Software Vs Self Hosted Intranet Software For Workplace.

So … You’ve made the decision to implement intranet software into your company and understand the importance of having a strong online strategy that takes advantage of the social networking phenomenon.

You must now weigh the advantages and disadvantages of adopting a self-hosted platform versus SaaS intranet software.

“Which one do I choose?”

Achieving a conclusion that best serves your short-term and long-term plans could need careful consideration. Many might consider that SaaS, or subscribing to an inside system arrangement facilitated by the supplier, would be the most ideal way to go considering that the advantages of SaaS have been referred to in different spots on the web.

It is popularly known that it is easy to manage when you don’t need to have the software on your own. It is financially savvy for the present moment and typically does not necessitate a major initial investment (the vast majority of SaaS offerings are pay-as-you-go), and there is normally a brief timeframe for setup – so you can begin immediately.

When the advantages are unmistakably clarified, it appears like it’s not something you need to consider. Yet, what numerous choice makers forget is that they need to balance out which arrangement is better for them regarding their plans later on and think more long haul.

Consider the following factors:

Customizations of the intranet and long-term capabilities

When you subscribe to a SaaS intranet service, you will generally be given the most suitable solution available. However, any upgrades or add-ons will depend on your provider’s roadmap. For instance, if a new video-messaging technology appears a year from now, whether you can incorporate it into your intranet platform is up to your provider. Even if you would like to add something as exciting as a video chat feature, the ultimate choice is still in the hands of the service provider. Over a long period, it’s possible you will feel the need to alter, customize or add to the platform. In this case, the intranet platform you are using is hosted elsewhere and you may not be able to do so.

A self-hosted intranet platform is preferable if that level of flexibility is necessary to support your long-term ambitions. It might spare you from having to later abandon your current platform and hunt for alternatives.

SaaS has the advantage if this isn’t an issue.

Growth & Scalability of Intranet Users

Estimating your intranet’s user base and how it will extend as time passes is essential to make sure that your SaaS intranet can endure and function properly. Generally, social intranet applications accessible as SaaS are designed to handle hundreds and thousands of users without any impairment in performance. But this concern only arises once the user base has gradually increased to a point where changes in the architecture and features are needed, so as to make it able to keep up with the growth.

Unfortunately, this is a disadvantage of SaaS where you may find yourself restricted by the restrictions of the provider. It could be bandwidth, server specs, or maybe some changes that are essential in the software itself, the power is in the hands of the provider.

Security Concerns

One of the greatest apprehensions of those opting for SaaS intranet is the obscurity of what is going on with their data and how safe it is. Although most suppliers are capable of offering splendid intranet safety, the danger of misuse or loss of data stays regardless of NDA/IPR signings. When the software is self-hosted, companies get a sense of relief knowing that their valuable data is within their premises and jurisdiction. There are positive and negative aspects of both sides when it comes to security, and whether you require full control of your data is something that has to be thoroughly considered.

Intranet Charges & Pricing

You may believe that it is a no-brainer to opt for a SaaS intranet because of cost-effectiveness, but it is better to calculate the expenses that you would incur in the short, medium, and long terms before reaching a conclusion. A SaaS intranet can be billed every month contingent on the number of users, traffic, or bandwidth required, and there can be additional costs for including additional features, upgrades, or going over user or traffic limits. Not to mention, there could be fees associated with relocating to a different intranet platform if you find that the existing one isn’t the right fit. What if the provider can’t add a feature you need in the future? What if you have to switch to another intranet vendor?

Taking the time to evaluate the pros and cons of hosting your own software compared to a Software as a Service (SaaS) intranet model is important in arriving at a sound decision. While the SaaS intranet is often cost-effective, one must consider the scalability costs and the effect on the cost after a certain number of users. Therefore, it’s important to consider the entirety of the scenario when considering costs. Both the SaaS intranet and the self-hosted intranet software solutions appear to be balanced when looking at the bigger picture; however, making the decision is not easy. To ensure that the decision is one that makes sense and meets your objectives, both short-term and long-term, it’s important to consider your specific plans and determine which criteria are the most significant.

Now that’s something to consider!