What does this mean for me as a business owner?
A zero-touch solution may allow you to offer a higher level of service to your customers, such as allowing them to use their own devices to connect to your network. You may also be able to reduce costs since you won’t have to pay for IT staff to manage user accounts.
How do I signup with a zero-touch security service provider?
There are two main types of zero-touch provisioning solutions: cloud-based and on-premises. Cloud-based providers store all user credentials in the cloud, while on-premises solutions keep user information onsite. Both options work similarly, but each one has its pros and cons.
Cloud-Based Providers
A cloud-based provider stores all user credentials in the company’s data center. Users don’t need to enter anything when connecting to the network; instead, the provider handles everything automatically. Cloud-based providers usually charge monthly fees based on how many users are connected to the network. They also offer additional features, such as remote support and mobile device management.
On-Premises Solutions
An on-premises solution keeps user information onsite. Instead of storing user credentials in a centralized location, it uses a local database to authenticate users. On-premises solutions are generally cheaper than cloud-based providers, but they require more maintenance and administration. For example, an on-premises solution would need to be updated whenever new hardware was added to the network.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloud-based and on-premises solutions?
Advantages of Cloud-Based Solutions
- Easy scaling. With cloud-based solutions, you can add capacity quickly by simply adding servers.
- Remote support. You can access helpdesk software remotely via phone, email, chat, or video conferencing.
- Mobile device management. Your IT team can manage devices remotely, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, and others.
Disadvantages of Cloud-Based Solution
- Additional costs. Cloud-based services typically come with monthly fees.
- Security risks. Because most cloud-based providers store user credentials in their data centres, hackers could potentially gain access to sensitive information.
- Lack of control. Most cloud-based providers allow third parties to access customer information.
Advantages of On-Premises Solutions
- Lower initial costs. On-premises systems are generally less expensive than cloud-based solutions.
- Control. You retain full control over your network infrastructure.
Disadvantages of On-Premises Solution
- Additional costs. On-premise solutions usually include equipment and ongoing maintenance.
- Limited scalability. On-premise systems cannot easily expand to meet future growth.
- Loss of control. Third parties may have access to your data.
How do I choose between cloud-based and on-premise?
The first step is to determine which type of provider suits your needs best. A good rule of thumb is to compare the total cost per month of both options. Cloud-based providers are generally more expensive than on-premises solutions, but they offer additional benefits, like remote support and mobile device management (MDM). An on-premises solution is likely to be cheaper, but it doesn’t offer these features.
Next, consider the size of your organization. Smaller organizations might not need much beyond basic authentication, while larger ones could benefit from additional features, such as MDM.
Finally, look into the number of users who will connect to your network. Large networks often use cloud-based providers because they’re easier to scale up and down. However, if you only have a few users, an on-premise solution might be a better fit.
Which option is right for my business?
The best choice depends on what type of users you expect to connect to your network and whether you plan on using cloud-based or on-premises solutions. In general, cloud-based providers tend to be better suited for small businesses that aren’t planning on offering high levels of service. On-premises providers are ideal for larger companies that need a lot of flexibility.
