The benefits of on-premises reporting

It's not always easy to decide between on-premises and SaaS reporting tools. For some businesses, access to automatic updates and applications configured in the cloud makes SaaS a tempting choice. For other companies, the security and control offered by on-premises tools is the most important consideration. 

In this article, we'll explore some of the benefits of on-premises reporting and reveal why it's the right choice for many businesses. We'll also explore some popular myths about on-premises solutions and clear up some common misunderstandings.

Why did so many companies shut down their on-premises solutions?

There are several misconceptions about on-premises reporting, and unfortunately, those misconceptions have led some companies to shut down their on-premises solutions.  Here are some of the most common misunderstandings about on-premises solutions.

Myth#1: On-premises solutions don't provide data privacy 

Protecting private business and sensitive customer data is a priority, and accidental data loss can spell disaster for any company. The common misconception is that on-premises reporting tools lack adequate security features, like encryption, powerful firewalls, and password protections. 

However, today’s best in-house reporting tools can protect your data better than SaaS solutions, thanks to robust authentication and authorization controls, single sign-on integrations, and multi-tiered security configurations.

On-premises solutions can also leverage backup and disaster recovery, or BDR, software to protect against accidental data losses. A reporting software like Jaspersoft also offers its users a high level of security and scalability.

Myth #2: Only SaaS applications can be deployed in the cloud

There's a common misperception that SaaS is the only option if you migrate to the cloud. In reality, many companies opt to deploy in the cloud, bypassing the SaaS model altogether. 

Cloud-hosted platforms provide users with more control and often with more flexibility to quickly make changes. They can also be more private since they eliminate the need for third-party involvement.

Myth #3: On-premises solutions have insufficient functionality

Some people fear that on-premises reporting tools have limited functionality. However, tools like Jaspersoft offer modern REST web services, ad hoc self-service capabilities, multitenancy, and lightweight reporting microservices making it easier to scale and develop applications. 

Today, active on-premises reporting tools offer the same range of features as cloud-based SaaS counterparts.

What are the risks of moving to the cloud? 

In recent years, more organizations have begun exiting the cloud and moving back to on-premises solutions. In fact, a survey carried out by Citrix in 2024 found that 42% of businesses were in the process of shifting away from cloud-based reporting solutions. 

Why the shift? Some of it has to do with the inherent risks associated with the cloud.

Less control

Moving to the cloud leaves organizations more reliant on managed service providers for performance and uptime. In many cases, cloud-based reporting tools rely on templates and often limit a user's ability to change or customize the application. 

Security concerns

To some extent, data lives forever in the cloud. Third-party storage and archiving make it more challenging to delete your data once it's in the cloud compared to your on-premises servers. The risk of unauthorized access to data also poses a significant risk for organizations wishing to maintain control over their information. 

Internet dependency

SaaS applications require users to have a fast, reliable internet connection at all times. When internet service is disrupted, access to the SaaS tools is also disrupted.

Users with restricted internet access, bandwidth limitations, or poor connectivity will have trouble accessing SaaS platforms. Even users who normally have strong internet connections may have trouble accessing the platform if they are traveling in a remote area or if an unexpected outage takes down their internet service.

Internet dependency can hurt productivity and make it harder for remote teams to access shared data, making collaboration a challenge. Processing data in the cloud can also slow down operations and make application deployment a challenge.

What are the benefits of on-premises reporting?

Many organizations value on-premises reporting because it increases control over data access, offers greater customization, and improved analytic capabilities. Some industries also require certain data protections, which makes on-premises reporting an attractive or required option.

Compliance and auditing 

Certain sectors, like finance, healthcare, and government services, are subject to strict regulatory oversight that governs their use of data. In some cases, organizations are required to store their data on-premise. Even when this is not the case, on-premises data storage is often the more effective way to comply with regulations, especially around governance and traceability.

For companies with a regulatory burden, compliance is often easier when using an on-premises solution, since that ensures greater control. In other words, on-premises can be the best way to avoid costly fees and penalties.

Cost considerations 

In many cases, the cost of buying and maintaining on-premises software is lower than paying for cloud-based SaaS tools. This is particularly true if you do not fully utilize the SaaS platform.

Likewise, it can be challenging to negotiate with cloud providers. Often, companies become over-reliant on their provider, leading to a "lock-in."

Transferring data to and from the cloud can also be expensive. This cost doesn't arise with on-premises software.

Enhanced data security

On-premises tools offer a high level of data security since all data is stored on secure servers. Users can control access to data and be confident that unauthorized users will not be able to steal information.

How to select the right tool

Every organization has different needs when it comes to analytics and reporting. When choosing a reporting tool, think about what your organization needs. Ask yourself these questions:

• What volume of data will you need to process? 

• Where do your data sources sit? 

• Which other tools will you want to integrate with your reporting solution? 

• Where do you need to deliver this information and to how many users? 

You should also consider:

• Budget
• IT resources
• Security needs
• Scalability requirements
• Customization needs

Once you’ve considered these elements, look for a reporting tool that meets your current needs and allows plenty of room to scale. Proper data protection and security measures are a must, too.

The benefits of working with Jaspersoft

Jaspersoft is one of the most popular reporting software solutions in the world, with over 600,000 downloads every month. It’s one of the top choices for companies that rely heavily on reporting and embedded analytics to stay competitive.

Jaspersoft is a flexible and highly customizable tool that allows for deployment into any environment, including cloud, hybrid, and on-premises. Its immersive embedded analytics deliver insights to users that are rich in context, business intelligence, and provide actionable real-time information. And, our pixel-perfect software allows users to design complex, in-depth reports that are customized to their precise needs. 

Whether your users need to create an ad-hoc report or a polished end-of-year proforma, Jaspersoft is the reporting and analytics platform you need to succeed. With the ability to export your reports to a variety of different formats, it is easy to securely distribute data-driven information with just a few clicks. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create, distribute and manage any report or dashboard with ease and confidence. 

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