Buying digital signage screens and selecting the right software is a relatively easy step compared to what we will be focusing on in this article.
Deciding whether to host your own on-premise server or use a MagicINFO cloud hosting service is what puzzles most people. In actuality, the choice is quite straightforward once you understand the key factors involved.
Let’s take a closer look at both options.
Table of Contents:
- On-Premise vs. Cloud-Hosted MagicINFO – A Side-By-Side Comparison
- Summary Of Both Options
- Which One Do Companies Normally Prefer?
On-Premise vs. Cloud-Hosted MagicINFO – A Side-By-Side Comparison
Samsung’s MagicINFO digital signage software is available in both on-premise and cloud-based versions. While both offer similar features and capabilities, they differ in terms of how they are accessed and deployed.
Let’s start with a side-by-side comparison of each option, followed by our expert opinion on their advantages and drawbacks.
| Feature | On-Premise Installation | Cloud-Hosted |
| Initial Cost | Higher due to hardware, software licences, and installation costs. | Lower, often based on a subscription model that includes maintenance. |
| Control | Full control over the hardware and software environment. | Limited support on-site but advanced support on software and servers. |
| Scalability | Limited by physical infrastructure and requires manual upgrades. | Highly scalable; resources can be adjusted based on demand without physical constraints. |
| Maintenance | Requires in-house IT staff for maintenance, updates and troubleshooting. | Maintenance, updates and troubleshooting are managed by the service provider. |
| Security | Dependent on in-house capabilities to secure the system against threats. | Providers typically offer robust security measures and regular updates to protect data. |
| Customisation | High level of customisation possible to meet specific business needs. | Customisation is done with the support of company developers. |
| Technical Support | Reliant on internal IT staff or contracted external specialists. | Provided by the hosting company and its expertise. |
| Operational Responsibility | Full responsibility for operating, securing and updating the system. | Shared responsibility, with critical operations handled by the provider. |
| Ease of Setup | Can be complex and time-consuming, requiring significant technical expertise. | Generally quicker and easier, as the provider handles most of the setup process. |
Summary Of Both Options
On-Premise MagicINFO Installations
On-premise digital signage solutions are installed and operated directly from a company’s own servers, granting full control over both hardware and software.
This local installation allows for comprehensive customisation tailored to specific business needs. It also enhances security, as access to the hardware and data can be tightly regulated.
Owning the system outright can also lead to increased reliability without dependency on external networks, risks associated with network outages and other connectivity issues.
However, these benefits come at a cost. The initial investment required for purchasing equipment and software licences, along with the expenses related to setup and installation, can be substantial.
Moreover, on-premise solutions demand ongoing maintenance and updates, which introduces the need for a dedicated IT team with the technical expertise to manage these tasks effectively.
To summarise, this model offers greater control and potential security benefits. However, it poses challenges, especially for businesses without substantial IT resources, due to its complex setup and continuous management needs.
Cloud-Hosted MagicINFO By A Trusted Company
Cloud-hosted digital signage solutions are easier to manage because they are run and maintained by outside experts. This setup means less work for your team and no need to hire expensive IT experts with special tech skills.
Another advantage is that if you decide to scale your business later, you can quickly adjust the level of service to match your current needs.
These services usually have a monthly fee, which makes the starting or upgrading costs lower than buying your own equipment and software. The company that hosts your signs on the cloud will also take care of security, updates and any help you might need, keeping your system safe and current.
However, there are some downsides. Since your data is stored on the cloud provider’s servers, you might not have full control over it. For example, if you use a shared cloud, you cannot connect displays by yourself.
However, if you choose a private cloud option, you might have more freedom to manage things the way you want. This makes cloud-hosted solutions a good choice for businesses that want an affordable and easy-to-handle digital signage option.
Which One Do Companies Normally Prefer?
Each setup has its advantages, but cloud-hosted solutions often provide the ease and reliability that many businesses prefer, especially when expert hosting providers are involved.
(April 23, 2024). Ameera Surekha-Groen – MagicInfo Service. Retrieved from https://blog.magicinfoservices.com/blog/magicinfo-on-premise-vs-cloud-hosting
