The rapid evolution of technology has transformed the way businesses manage their networks, offering two distinct modes of operation: cloud managed and on-prem managed networking. In this blog post, we'll delve into the key differences between these two approaches, exploring their unique features, advantages, and considerations for businesses.
Defining Cloud Managed Networking: Cloud managed networks involve leveraging cloud infrastructure and services to manage and deliver network resources. In this model, network devices phone home to a cloud-based service for reporting and configuration management. Management for the devices is carried out within a web page or by APIs.
Defining On-Prem Managed Networking: On-premises networking, on the other hand, refers to the traditional approach where network infrastructure and services are maintained within the physical premises of an organization. This typically either involves managing the devices box-by-box or by using an internal management solution such as Cisco Catalyst Center (DNA Center). Many internal management solutions are beginning to replicate the cloud management platforms in their use of APIs for programmatic access into the solution.
Key Differences:
Infrastructure Ownership and Management:
Cloud Managed: Businesses rely on the cloud management provider, relinquishing the responsibility of owning and managing physical management infrastructure. The provider takes care of hardware maintenance, updates, and scalability of the management interface. You still ,however, manage updates and upgrades of your onsite networking devices.
On-Prem Managed: Organizations maintain full control and ownership of their management infrastructure, managing and updating hardware and software internally. Maintaining the management infrastructure is done in addition to managing the onsite networking devices as well.
Scalability:
Cloud Managed: The cloud management solution takes care of the scalability of the platform. You only purchase licenses for devices to connect into the platform and the provider takes care of the rest. There are no servers or other management devices you need to worry about scaling.
On-Prem Managed: Scalability is taken care of by your network team. They plan the server or appliance sizes. If you outgrow your current design, the network team will need to redesign and add to the current management cluster to ensure seamless operations.
Cost Structure:
Cloud Managed: Typically follows a subscription model where devices are licensed to access the cloud management platform. Licensing is usually on a 1:1 basis where each device needs its own license. Most providers add the license cost as a line item when purchasing the networking hardware.
On-Prem Managed: Pricing for this varies based on the solution that is implemented. If managing only by the device's local interface (CLI or Web) then typically there is no additional licensing needed. Some solutions require an onsite controller while others require a cluster of servers depending on the scale of the solution. Onsite controllers may also require device licensing along with the purchase of hardware similar to that of the cloud management option. Long story short, on-prem can be complicated and it’s best to work with your partner to determine a solution and what the associated costs will be.
Flexibility and Accessibility:
Cloud Managed: Accessed by a public web portal or programmatically via API. This is distributed globally so user experience is very similar no matter where you are located.
On-Prem Managed: Usually behind a company firewall and accessed through a VPN. This is typically hosted at a company data center so user experience may vary based on how far you are from the on-prem management server. These may have an API for programmatic access depending on the solution.
Security and Control:
Cloud Managed: The cloud provider is responsible for security into their data centers. You will be responsible for user access control into the management interface. User access control into the management interface is usually provided by “local” accounts that are built within the interface or the cloud solution can be integrated into an IdP such as Azure AD.
On-Prem Managed: Offers greater control over security measures, allowing organizations to implement and customize security protocols according to their specific needs and compliance requirements. Your network or security team will be responsible for managing the firewall rules and remote access to the solution. User access control typically has a more options such as local accounts, RADIUS, TACACS, LDAP, or a cloud IdP.
Conclusion: Choosing between cloud managed and on-prem managed networking involves careful consideration of factors such as cost, scalability, security, and control. Each approach has its merits, and the decision ultimately hinges on the unique requirements and preferences of the business. As technology continues to evolve, businesses must stay informed about these networking paradigms to make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals.
Vertex Networks is available to assist in choosing the best network management solution for your business. Contact us today so we can get you started on the path to your next-gen network implementation!
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