On-Premise vs Cloud AI: Control vs Convenience
You can run AI on a provider's cloud or on hardware you control. Each suits different needs around cost, privacy and effort, and the right choice is rarely obvious at first glance.
This article compares them honestly.
The Trade-Offs
Cloud AI is quick to start and scales easily, but data leaves your premises and costs grow with use. On-premise keeps data in-house and can be cheaper at high volume, but needs upfront investment and skilled upkeep.
When Each Makes Sense
- Cloud: fast pilots, variable demand, limited in-house infrastructure.
- On-premise: strict data rules, very high steady volume, existing hardware.
- Hybrid: sensitive work in-house, the rest in the cloud.
| Factor | Cloud | On-premise |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | Fast | Slow |
| Data control | Shared | Full |
| Upfront cost | Low | High |
| Ongoing effort | Low | Higher |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper overall?
It depends on volume. Cloud usually wins for light or variable use; steady, heavy use can make on-premise cheaper despite the upfront cost.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.