Choosing between cloud-based and on-premise access control solutions can be a difficult decision, as both types of solutions offer their own unique benefits.
In today's world, access control is an essential part of any building's operations and security system. Smart access solutions have also evolved with the increasing need for smart buildings and the rise of cloud-based technology. However, choosing the right access control solution can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, including cost, use case, installation size, technology, integrations, and security.
Building operators can choose from two primary access control solutions: cloud-based access control and on-premise access control. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between the two and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Cloud-based access control solutions
Cloud-based access control solutions (ACaaS - Access Control as a Service ) store the software and all the data in the cloud. The cloud-based system allows administrators to manage and control access to their facilities, devices, and data from anywhere with an internet connection. These solutions are becoming more popular because they offer flexibility, scalability, future-proof integration capabilities, and cost savings.
Cloud-based access control solutions are hosted on remote cloud servers. This means that system operators can manage their installation from anywhere with an internet connection – and with no need for any physical infrastructure. These solutions typically involve the use of software as a service (SaaS) platforms to ensure that they are secure and up to date, which offer a range of benefits to organisations, including:
- Scalability: Cloud-based access control solutions are highly scalable, which means that buildings can easily add or remove users, locations, or other resources as needed.
- Flexibility: One of the significant advantages of cloud-based access control is that the cloud service provider is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure. This means that organisations do not have to worry about maintaining the hardware or software required to run the access control system, increasing flexibility and system capabilities.
- Cost-effectiveness: Cloud-based access control solutions often require lower upfront costs than on-premise solutions, as they do not require organisations to purchase and maintain expensive hardware, physical infrastructure and software.
- Integration capabilities: With cloud-based access control solutions, organisations can easily integrate their access control systems with other cloud-based services, such as video surveillance, intercom, visitor management, PMS, or intrusion detection systems.
- Ease of use: Cloud-based access control solutions are typically designed with user-friendliness in mind, which means that they are easy to set up, configure, and use.
On-premise access control solutions
On-premise access control is an access control solution where the access control infrastructure is installed and managed on-site by the organisation, with an IT Infrastructure hosted on-site. The solution consists of hardware and software installed on the organisation's servers and is accessed through a local network.
One of the significant advantages of on-premise access control is that organisations have complete control over the solution – including the security of the infrastructure. This means that organisations can customise the solution to meet their specific security requirements. On-premise access control solutions offer many other benefits, including:
- Enhanced security: These access control solutions offer enhanced security as all access control data is stored within the organisation's own network and infrastructure, which means that there are fewer points of vulnerability.
- Performance: On-premise access control is not dependent on an internet connection. This makes the solution more reliable and less susceptible to outages caused by internet connectivity issues.
- Control: With on-premise access control solutions, organisations have greater control over their access control systems – they can customise these systems to meet their specific security requirements.
- Customisation: On-premise access control solutions can be customised to meet the specific needs of organisations, which means that they can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of different industries or organisations.
- Compatibility: On-premise access control solutions are often designed to be compatible with a range of other security systems and hardware, which means that organisations can integrate them with other building management systems technologies.
Cloud-based vs. on-premise access control: Which is right for your organisation?
When choosing between cloud-based and on-premise access control solutions, there are several factors to consider. These include the size of the organisation, the number of locations, the industry application, the security requirements, and the integration capabilities.
For small organisations with limited IT resources or an organisation with multiple locations, a cloud-based access control solution may be the most practical option. This is because cloud-based solutions require minimal hardware and software maintenance, reducing the burden on the organisation's IT staff.
For larger organisations with more complex security requirements, an on-premise access control solution may be the better choice. On-premise solutions offer not only more customisation options but greater control over the entire security infrastructure.
SALTO’s innovative smart access solutions
SALTO offers smart access control solutions for businesses and organisations. We provide three main smart access control platforms: SALTO Space on-premise, as well as SALTO KS and Homelok cloud-based solutions.
SALTO Space: A standalone, virtually networked, wired, and wireless online smart access control data-on-card platform.
SALTO Space is a fully-integrated, stand-alone, wire-free, smart-locking platform and web-based software management tool, with an on-premise system that brings seamless access to every door in any building in an efficient, safe, and secure way. It is a flexible and scalable access control solution that can be customised to meet the specific needs of each customer. It provides a high level of security, ease of use, and control over access to buildings and rooms.
SALTO Space on-premise is ideal for organisations that require advanced access control functionality but prefer to manage the system on their own hosted servers. SALTO Space combines the reliability, security, and scalability of an on-premise access control solution, with the flexibility and availability of stand-alone, SVN-powered, and networked smart electronic lock technology.
SALTO KS: Scalable and flexible cloud-based smart access control solution, with best-in-class real-time capabilities.
SALTO KS (KaaS: Keys as a Service) is a scalable cloud-based Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) solution, built to fit anything from small and midsize businesses to large enterprises and multi-site organisations. It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to manage, with a simple web interface that allows administrators to manage access – from anywhere, at any time.
SALTO KS is ideal for businesses that want a turnkey access control solution that can be easily scaled up or connected to a third-party system. SALTO KS smart access solution offers multiple ways of opening doors, including digital keys. It supports a wide range of smart, keyless access methods to improve user experience and the security of any type of building or door. It also delivers advanced security features on a fully remote and wireless cloud-based smart access management platform.
SALTO Homelok: All-in-one cloud-based smart access solution for residential living.
SALTO Homelok is a smart access solution that offers managers and owners a convenient and secure way to control access, improving security across all types of residential properties. A comprehensive and cloud-based smart access control solution, it includes both hardware and advanced software technology for the residential, multi-family, and smart-living industries.
Homelok provides a smart, modern, easy-to-install and maintain electronic locking solution without the cost and complexity of traditional mechanical access control methods, including Apple Wallet. It is designed to secure every part of any type of residential property – from apartment unit doors to perimeter access points and common areas.
Make the best selection
Choosing between cloud-based and on-premise access control solutions can be a difficult decision, as both types of solutions offer their own unique benefits. Ultimately, the best solution for your organisation, property, or building type will depend on a range of factors, including your security requirements, use case, keyless entry method, and IT infrastructure.
However, by considering the benefits of each type of solution, you can make an informed decision that will help you protect your facility's critical assets. With the right access control solution, you can bring smart building management into a new era of capabilities, including keyless entry, remote opening, and flexible access scenarios; users, staff, visitor, and resident access management, and more efficient building security and operations management.
Looking to learn more? Click here to discover more about SALTO’s smart locking solutions for smart building management, and follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram for the latest updates.
