Infrastructure · · 2 min read · Webitro team
Local, your own server or the cloud? Where your software should run
The pros and cons of running your software on your own computer, your own server or in the cloud, a plain comparison of privacy, cost, speed and maintenance.
Where should your software run?
- 1How sensitive is data?
- 2How many users?
- 3Who maintains it?
- 4Pick the environment
Where software runs matters as much as what it does. The same software can run on your own computer, on your own server or with a cloud provider. Each option has different consequences for privacy, cost and maintenance.
On your own computer (local)
The software, and, if needed, the AI model, runs directly on your computer. Data goes nowhere, and it can even work without an internet connection. It suits single users or small teams, sensitive documents and work where privacy comes first. The limits are the computer’s power and the difficulty of several people using it at once.
On your own server
The software runs on a server you control, in your office or on a machine you rent. Your team can reach it from anywhere, and the data stays on your infrastructure. It’s a strong option for businesses that want full control over their data and use the software regularly; in return it needs ongoing care: setup, backups and security updates.
In the cloud
The software runs on a cloud provider’s infrastructure. It starts fast, scales easily as users grow and there’s no hardware to manage. On the other hand there’s a monthly cost, and your data lives on the provider’s infrastructure. It’s usually the most practical route for products expected to grow quickly and serve many users.
4 questions to ask before deciding
- How sensitive is the data? Must it stay in-house?
- How many people will use it, from where and how often?
- Will usage grow quickly over time?
- Who will maintain it: your own team or a service provider?
Hybrid setups are possible too
It isn’t always either/or. For example, a customer-facing website can run in the cloud while the AI module that processes sensitive documents runs on your own server. At Webitro we make this call together based on your needs and set your software up to run in the environment you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can an AI model run on my own computer?
Many open-source models can, but they want a strong graphics card or a recent processor. Small models run on an ordinary machine too, only slower and with more limits.
Is the cloud secure?
The big cloud providers put more resources into infrastructure security than most companies can. The real question is whether you are comfortable with your data living outside your walls. In some sectors regulation answers that for you.
Can I move to a different environment later?
Yes, if the software was set up with that in mind. Moving from the cloud to your own server, or the other way, is possible but it is a migration job. Telling us early that you might want it makes it easier.
What happens if the internet goes down?
A local setup keeps working. Software on your own server stays reachable inside the office. Software in the cloud is unavailable until the connection is back.