Something that this blog aims to discuss and elaborate on. Over the years, we have seen the face of the internet change. It’s this change that is radicalizing the gear shift to decentralized storage. But before we begin, we will take a short trip down memory lane on this evolution.

The evolution of the Internet

WWW, or World Wide Web as we know it today, began as Web 1.0. A brainchild of Tim Berner Lee’s was predominant as Web 1.0 between 1993- 2004. Where companies owned static websites and sent out information to the users. In a read-only fashion, as there was no scope for user interaction.

Then came Web 2.0 after 2004, which is still in use. Thanks to Social Media’s emergence, we can now interact as users with businesses’ read-only data. The birth of user-generated content. But as a user, monetization was a far-fetched dream.

That’s when Web 3.0 steps up. Coined by Gavin Wood of Ethereum, the idea is to give the end user control. Something the previous versions didn’t have. That is, the model he specifies is read-write-own. Web 3.0 sits on distributing power via a blockchain mechanism, which is the core of decentralized storage.

But this is a rough sketch. Web 3.0 is more than this little explanation. Here’s more to it.

Understanding Web 3.0 

Web 3.0 equals decentralization. This means the power to store and control data does not remain with industry giants but with you as a user. And things like NFT and crypto are handing that to you. So the core idea is using blockchain to store, own and share information. This also means an attack on centralized data monopolies. And the democratization of the web with more freedom to create, own, and share.

But not all is working fair and well. Apparently,

Web 3.0 first came into practical use in 1991 with the first blockchain creation by scientists W. Scott Stornetta and Stuart Haber to timestamp digital documents. Web 3.0 is today an extension of cryptocurrency that uses blockchain to continue the new ways to new ends, as per Harvard Business Review’s words.

Another aspect that we need to understand is data deletion is not a process in the blockchain. We can only add, not remove. This requires no permission, uses economic incentives to progress, and is decentralized. Which now directs us to unfold this ‘decentralized storage for data.’

• What is Decentralized storage?
  • Why decentralized storage over centralized is preferred?
  • What benefits is decentralized storage bringing in?
  • Understand the limitations
  • Considerations to make your decentralized storage better?

What is Decentralized Storage?

So far, we have learned decentralized storage is a gift of Web 3.0, seemingly taking over the web landscape in the coming period. But since many are unaware, as we have seen, we try to understand how decentralized storage for data helps the cloud computing world in the growing face of web3.

In layman’s terms, in decentralized storage, the encrypted data is stored across multiple locations where individuals offer a space in their disk with a fee. But the access to this encryption is with the data owner. The ones helping in keeping cannot see. This seems to be a helpful hand to cloud storage, where you upload and share them offline.

The question that we need to visit is why this is over the centralized cloud storage. The following section adheres to that.

Why decentralized storage over centralized is getting preferred?

Specific differences are making the switch.

To summarize, centralized storage is where big industry giants (third parties) like Microsoft and Google keep the data. That is, the one having the monopoly in this cloud computing (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) industry.

What benefits is decentralized storage bringing in?

Decentralized storage for data comes with a set of benefits, a few of which we have seen in our previous section. More to it unfolds here:

• This type of storage has no limit, which means you can scale it to the proportions you wish.
• You can rely on the data storage as the nodes it gets stored are unrelated, and as mentioned, the failure of a few will still help you access the data from elsewhere.

• Privacy is more as the raw data you feed is encrypted as a code and divided into various data centers.
• Costing is cheaper here because one can use the remote idle storage as per needs which also adds to the user’s growing income.
• The load is pretty balanced as hosts are in a position to cache used data frequently. 

But the advantages are not free of limitations. We have to consider certain aspects that can limit this use of decentralized storage.

Understanding the limitations of decentralized storage

We may claim this as the most democratized way of data storage. Still, limitations that make you take the step cautiously include the following:

• The lack of an accountable owner for data loss draws trust issues over the network. Therefore, high-end security is still a Work-In-Progress.
• Developing the blockchain mechanism is complex until a professional team helps you to get it.
• Even though it has been around for some time, the technology is still in its infancy.
• Established businesses and professionals might face the issue of migration as the system develops.
• Regulation of the system can be tricky as the information is spread across multiple locations.
  
  However, you make specific considerations to work better with decentralized storage. Here’s how.

Considerations to make your decentralized storage better

The usage of this storage depends on what you have and what you can give. That is,

Public healthcare and governments can use the system once the security is well-worked from infancy. Individuals with limited money to invest in data storage can consider this an alternative.

Moreover, large organizations with vast volumes of data who need convenient point access shouldn’t consider this a route. The landscape is still developing, so migration isn’t wise for them. Since they need direct support for issues to resolve.

Also, read The 7 Types of decentralized storage networks.

In Conclusion, 

Decentralized storage looks like a gleaming hope for a democratized future. Who knows, 10-20 years from now, this will be the go-to way for storing data. Our aim was to throw some light on the subject that’s catching flames faster but is not widely understood.

We hope we helped in easing this information. If you have any input or queries, please comment or connect with us. We will be happy to help. Till then, keep reading.

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As per the Venture Beats report, CAGR across significant software companies like MongoDB, Elastic and, Spunk, Confluent was atleast 72% and around 200% from 2018 to 2022. Whereas for on-premises, it ranged from 41% to 55%. So should you be going the SaaS way too, or look a little more inside the on-premise? This is what we plan to take up today and address this tussle of best fit in SaaS vs On-premise.

In the following discussion, we throw light on the aspects around:

• What is the difference between SaaS and On-premise?
  • On-premise and off-premise
• What is an example of SaaS software?
• What is an example of on-premise software?
• Is SaaS better than On-premise?

What is the difference between SaaS and On-premise?

Software as a Service, a cloud-based solution, is a model where the client needs to rent out software from vendors or providers as it is not readily available in their infrastructure. The vendor is, therefore, responsible for:

• Maintaining and managing the application
• Providing the IT infrastructure

Where you, as a client or owner, don’t have to worry about data security, maintenance, and updates about the system. It is also a subscription-based model; everything is stored and secured in the cloud.
The above table is a glimpse into the difference between the two. Highlighting the pros and cons each has in certain areas.

Also read: Beginners guide to understanding SaaS

Now coming to on-premises software, the major difference between SaaS and On-premise is that software is installed on the client’s own server, i.e., on their premise, hardware, and software infrastructure. The company buys or rents a license or a copy of the software from the provider. Therefore, the responsibility to maintain the system and equipment falls over you as a client.

And billing or payment is a one-time investment for the purchase.

Since its in own vicinity, you naturally have more control over the asset than in SaaS.

So the basic idea is to house your data yourself (with On-Premise) or put someone else in charge (SaaS).

What is On-premise and off-premise?

Now that you know the essential demarcation between the two hotspots of our discussion, another aspect that often needs clarification is on-premise and off-premise software. Let us know what each is to focus better on our present discussion.

Off-premise software looks like this, where the software solution is run on dedicated hardware located in a different location, and a third party provides the hardware.

So wait, is it off-premise SaaS?
No,

For off-premise, the vendor takes care of the hardware infrastructure elsewhere, and as an administrator, you can still access it, just like on-premise software. It is just not on the premise. But located elsewhere. Whereas in SaaS, you don’t have access to the backend. Because the provider is not liable to explain the solution but only provide it to you.

And yes, with Off-premise, the security is shared. Among the cloud solutions, SaaS is all about the vendor doing it and providing you with the end product.

What is an example of SaaS software?

To help you further practically, here’s an example of SaaS software to understand the actuality.

Office 365 from Microsoft is a cloud-powered productivity platform. Where you take the subscription to use the latest office 365’s productivity applications like

• MS Word
• MS Excel
• OneDrive
• Powerpoint  
• Outlook, 

and much more.
Also read:  9 essential types of SaaS tools for your business.

You can install it over the internet, connect and pay as per the use. Microsoft ensures the application’s security and maintenance over time while you only act as an end user for the product called ‘Office 365. Since it’s cloud-based, all the data storage, accessibility, and scalability happen via the internet. You don’t have to maintain the infrastructure but only access it from any device with a stable internet connection.

Since the usage and necessity vary from person to person, the subscription model helps one tailor the best fit of Office365.

This is just one among many SaaS software we are using today. Some examples include Skype, Zoom, Gmail, and related services. (Yes, they are SaaS too)

What is an example of on-premise software?

Now coming to on-premise software, we have Adobe Creative Suite as on-premise software. Where you make a large investment for your organizational need. Usually deployed in large organizational frameworks like

• Schools
• Universities
• Offices
• Professional outlets,

Where you purchase the unit and install the software in your hardware. And ensure maintenance over time of that hardware to support the software needs. That is, you control the software and operate it as your need.

However, both SaaS and on-premise software vary in a lot of dimensions. As we have seen in our initial discussion, the growth of SaaS is manifold. So does it have the edge over on-premise?

Is SaaS better than On-premise?

Agreeing on a system solely stems from organizational needs. The best for you to choose comes from the requirement. A comparison here will help you understand better.

Costing

You can buy and rent SaaS software at a comparatively lower cost for running the application. Although cyclical and long-term payments are a consideration with it.

With on-premise, you got to invest a one-time licensing fee. But recurring costs involve the maintenance of the current hardware.

But with SaaS, there is a considerable saving in terms of

• No ongoing operational expenses.
• You can expand the capacity without restructuring the costs.
• There are no application upgrade costs that add on as an extra payout.

Deployment rate

With On-premises, the time to ‘be running’ is usually longer. With SaaS, it is faster because of the absence of system installation, licensing resources, and hardware. Something that’s a precursor for On-premise.

Environmental friendly 

SalesForce found its cloud computing 95% more efficient and environment-friendly with a reduced carbon footprint. This strongly implies that handling and managing SaaS software is environment positive because of the lack of a heavy mechanized infrastructural input.

This isn’t the case with On-premise. You have to have types of equipment for functioning.

Accessibility

It’s not long ago. We struggled with locked surroundings due to a global pandemic. And it was during this time SaaS gave the needed hope for industrial survival while physical places remained closed.

Accessing or attending to on-premise software became a challenge. Because with SaaS (a cloud service), everything, every data, every input was on the cloud and available within moments of accessing over the internet.

While on-premise gives you an edge over the rest by providing off-line to things.

Security

SaaS security is known for its maintenance and adaptability. Data backup happens almost instantaneously. And has better data recovery in case of loss.

For on-premise, there is always an internal maintenance team for the upkeep. Data security is a dicey aspect, potent to loss and theft. Besides, the recovery process is prolonged.

Storage

On-premise storage capacity is much more expensive than SaaS. You also have to pay for unused resources. While a licensed application is needed to access such files. And has to be in-house for the data upload.

With SaaS, all this is taken care of. Because you pay for only what you use. Comes with in-built and data upload can take place from anywhere, anytime.

Control

This is where on-premise holds better because everything is under direct control. Whereas for Saas, it is a partial control.

But the decision to choose either or a hybrid of the two lies heavily on the following considerations:

• If your setup is remote, then SaaS gives you the necessary tools for functioning.
• If you are a centralized business working on local business solutions, then on-premise is a better option for you.

In short, this isn’t a debate or idea to see who is better than the other. Because the employment of both depends on your organizational needs.

In Conclusion, 

Our discussion on SaaS vs. On-premise comes to a halt here. We have addressed

the core differences between the two,

illustrated them with practical examples,

and helped you with the considerations that prove either of their efficiency.

It’s true that today SaaS among the cloud solutions is making its way in the industry but reliance on on-premise is never not going to fade away. The decision to progress with
If you have more input or suggestions for us, please feel free to connect or drop a comment to help us better address your queries. Till then, keep reading.

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