Almost two years ago, we explored the age-old conundrum facing businesses today: cloud vs on-premises knowledge-sharing solutions. And today, we’re diving back into the world of enterprise knowledge management to discover the best approach for your organization.
Let’s get to it!
Choosing the best solution for your business
Running a successful company demands a robust knowledge base. The savviest companies employ tailored approaches for storing, managing, and sharing their knowledge systems.
And in today’s age of the internet, the importance of integrating remote collaborative work and secure sharing into your knowledge base cannot be overstated.
But this business need presents a significant challenge for both owners and IT departments. Whether it’s remote department employees, outsourcing partners, customers, new hires, or senior decision-makers, each case requires a user-friendly internal and external knowledge platform.
Choosing the right solution for your company depends on your unique needs and circumstances. Instead of merely following competitors, it’s better to consider factors like:
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Cost: What’s your budget? Do you need a sophisticated console, or is a lower cost more appealing?
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Benefits: Is your knowledge base complex and necessitates internal and external expertise? Do you have the manpower to manage it effectively, and will it enhance productivity or customer satisfaction?
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Security: Who’s responsible for information security analysis and risk management? Who owns and manages the information systems, and does this encompass your customers or suppliers?
Once you have these key points figured out, you can begin evaluating solutions to find the right fit for you.
Streamline your team with HackMD
Now, let’s briefly introduce HackMD’s solution for reference. HackMD is a user-friendly cloud service for collaborating, developing, and managing corporate knowledge files. It allows you to focus on your business without worrying about hosting.
HackMD also offers self-installed services for corporate users with their own hosted solutions. This easy-to-use packaged code enables in-house knowledge management while outsourcing tasks like people management, program development, version upgrades, software maintenance, and technical customer support to HackMD.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the concepts and applications of cloud and on-premises solutions.
Embrace the cloud
A cloud solution deploys storage devices, computing power, operating systems, and software applications in – you guessed it – the cloud. This Software as a Service (SaaS) approach saves costs, offers agility in workflows, and provides robust information security management.
Benefits include:
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Cost Savings: Subscription-based SaaS is typically more cost-effective than purchasing and maintaining your servers and software. You can try before subscribing, and scaling up is easy.
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Efficiency: A cloud-based knowledge base enables agility in collaborative work, allowing employees to access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
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Security: SaaS operators often provide advanced security measures, encryption for data transmission, data backup, and protection, mitigating security threats.
For companies unsure about managing their solution directly, cloud software services could be a great fit.
Manage it yourself
If your company has a technical department and director, you may prefer to host your own knowledge-sharing solution.
This on-premises solution involves daily maintenance, security management, user access, and system upgrades. While it can be more costly initially, it offers customizability and full control. Consider:
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Cost: You need sufficient resources to manage your servers, software, network traffic, and manpower.
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Control: The on-premises solution provides ownership and control, making it suitable for companies with a strong technical team.
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Security: Managing your host requires comprehensive security measures and expertise.
HackMD is built for your every need
Whether you choose cloud or on-premises, HackMD’s enterprise plan offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness solution for your knowledge-sharing needs.
For small to medium-sized enterprises with limited staff, the cloud subscription is most likely the best option for you. It offers low starting costs and unlimited functions. And for those needing full control over document management and security, HackMD’s self-built solution is a solid choice. While the initial cost is higher, it offers control and customization.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your company’s resources, long-term strategy, and specific needs. Why not give it a try? Schedule a demo today.