When Does it Make Sense to Choose the Cloud for Call Accounting?
October 22, 2014
By Mae Kowalke
TMCnet Contributor
The cloud can make software solutions simple, but it makes the process of selecting the right technology deployment strategy more difficult. Does a business go with a cloud solution, or does it choose to stay on-premise? Because for all the hype, there still sometimes as an advantage to choosing on-premise solutions.
With a good call recording, telecom expense management or call accounting solution, both cloud and on-premise versions should come with the core functionality that businesses expect. The difference is one of control and the hassle that can come along with that control.
Having total control of a call accounting or recording solution is the primary benefit of going with an on-premise solution. Since the software is deployed on a company’s own hardware, there’s absolute control over every variable from hardware maintenance to network connection.
Configurations also can be more particular with an on-premise solution, as the full range of configurations is usually only available to on-premise options.
This level of control can enable call accounting or recording solutions to potentially connect more fully with other business systems, for instance.
There also is more security, inasmuch as the entire system is within the control of the organization, something that doesn’t come with the cloud.
Losing a bit of control can be a good thing, though, as cloud solutions demonstrate.
One of the big advantages of going with a cloud-based call accounting solution is that there’s no software to update, and no hardware to maintain. The cloud provider handles this hassle for the business, which can be compelling. For businesses that choose a cloud offering, the software “just works.”
By using the cloud, costs also can be less since there’s no infrastructure to maintain and associated personnel to pay for its continued maintenance. It also can be considered an operating expense instead of a capital expense, since cloud solutions are usually purchased on a monthly basis as a service instead of as an infrastructure investment.
If a business doesn’t mind an initial investment and plans to use the system for years, or if it needs a high level of control, on-premise makes sense. But if a little control can be sacrificed, or a low up-front investment is preferred, the cloud should definitely be considered first.
So when it comes to the question of cloud versus on-premise deployment, there’s a right answer. But the right answer depends on the business and its needs.
Edited by Stefania Viscusi