As software applications continue to play an expanding role in construction operations, a growing number of contractors face a pivotal question. Should they set up and maintain their own server environments to run these applications, or outsource and host the applications in the cloud?
Whether they’re looking for performance, cost advantages across construction workflows in general, or specific ways to better use mobile technology and desktop applications, these are questions to consider as contractors explore options for running applications for estimating, field tracking, scheduling and dispatching, equipment maintenance or other workflows in a cloud environment.
Will software run faster and perform better in the Cloud or on private servers?
Contractors can get optimal speed and performance either way. The big difference is that, with the right cloud solution, performance can be ensured with very little effort on the part of the contractor. Updates to the server hardware and the supporting software are completed continuously and automatically. No IT actions or hardware purchases are required, even as specifications change, technology evolves and updated versions are introduced.
Software suppliers can provide detailed specifications and guidance for contractors that maintain their own server environments. Ultimately, though, each contractor is responsible for making sure their environment meets specifications to ensure top performance.
What costs more: Cloud hosting or maintaining private servers?
There are tradeoffs. Factors like existing IT infrastructure and expertise as well as the overall ecosystem of software applications for estimating, operations, accounting, ERP and other functions impact the answer.
With cloud hosting, businesses typically pay a monthly fee. This varies, depending primarily on the server capacity to handle the number of users and the complexity of their applications. The perpetual monthly fee may seem excessive to contractors that feel they can manage IT infrastructure more efficiently on their own. For others, it may seem like a bargain relative to the investments they would need to make to host software themselves.
To avoid surprises and escalating cloud hosting costs, contractors should be thorough at the outset in estimating the capacity and services they will require. When they opt for their own private servers and environment, it’s important to not overlook an important cost-related fact. Expenses don’t end with the initial setup of the system. They will need to maintain and update that infrastructure as technology advances and their requirements evolve. That may require hardware and software updates as well as additional IT expertise.
Are there big security risks with having data and applications out there in the Cloud?
A cloud environment can actually provide several security advantages. Contractors can choose data centers with fault-tolerant servers, redundant storage and state-of-the-art protection against fires, floods and other physical risks. Replicating that level of security in a private server environment may not be impossible but doing so can be difficult and expensive.
Cloud providers also backup data at regular intervals automatically, so recovery is generally faster and easier. Redundant server capacity can also allow businesses to continue working, even if there is an issue with a server. Finally, multi-layered cloud security can limit access to only authorized users and give contractors the power to manage which users have access to which software applications.
Are there major differences among Cloud hosting providers?
Absolutely. Contractors should evaluate more than the price before making a commitment. The most important consideration is ensuring that the cloud capacity exceeds the software specifications. This includes making sure that capacity is compatible with how the software is used – how many users will be using how many instances of which software applications at which times, for example.
Additional considerations should include potential future capacity requirements, data and network security systems and protocols, the length of the contract and which software and licenses are included.
The relationship between the software providers and the cloud hosting provider can also be important. In some cases, it’s an advantage for the software implementation and support staff, with the contractor’s permission, to be able to access the back end of the cloud infrastructure. This allows them to maintain or update the software and correct a cloud-related issue quickly. It can also cut down on the doubt about who is responsible or finger pointing among the contractor, software provider and cloud hosting provider if an issue occurs.
Will functionality and user interfaces of software applications be different if they are hosted in the Cloud?
Typically, the application interfaces, appearances and functionality are the same whether the software is running in a cloud environment or on private servers.
