What is On-Premises?

On-premises, colloquially called "on-prem," refers to software, hardware, or IT infrastructure that is hosted and managed within an organization's own physical facilities, rather than being hosted remotely in the cloud or by a third-party provider. With on-premises solutions, the organization is responsible for maintaining, securing, and updating all systems, often requiring dedicated IT resources and infrastructure.

This setup offers organizations full control over their data and systems, making it a preferred choice for industries with strict regulatory requirements or those needing to keep sensitive information within their own network. However, on-premises deployments can involve higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance compared to cloud-based alternatives.

For example, an on-premises Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution like senhasegura involves installing and managing the software on servers within the organization's data center, ensuring the business retains full control over its privileged accounts and sensitive data.

Choosing between on-premises and cloud solutions—or opting for a hybrid approach—depends on an organization's specific requirements, budget, and IT capabilities. As technology evolves, the decision to remain on-premises, transition to the cloud, or adopt a hybrid model should be regularly reassessed to align with organizational strategies and industry best practices.