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On-Premise : definition, advantages and selection criteria

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June 16, 2025
5 min
Product Information Management

On-Premise for whom, why and under what conditions to choose this model

The majority of software solutions are now migrating to SaaS, attracting businesses by its flexibility, his automatic updates And his remote accessibility.

However, some organizations, especially those operating in sensitive or highly regulated sectors, choose to maintain control of their critical tools locally by opting for solutions On-premise.

This choice is not limited to a simple technological preference: it involves complex issues related to data security, at the regulatory compliance, at the system performance and at thestrategic independence of the company.

For a PIM (Product Information Management), this dilemma between Cloud and On-premise takes on an even greater dimension, as the solution manages strategic information, which is often crucial for the success of the organization.

The decision therefore depends not only on technical needs, but also on specific priorities of the company in terms of vetting, of confidentiality And of personalizing.

This article proposed by SolidPepper : we invite you to explore in detail the real challenges of the model On-premise, to understand the fundamental difference between SaaS and On-premise, and to assess in which contexts a solution On-premise may be more adapted to your business requirements.

Whether you are looking for enhanced security, of conformity with strict standards or a total control over your data, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Understanding On-premise definition and the difference with SaaS

Before we get to the heart of the matter, let's clear up the terms. One On-premise software is a solution installed and hosted directly on the company's physical servers. Concretely, this means that you keep a total control over your data and the technical environment. Conversely, the SaaS (Software as a Service) is hosted remotely by the provider, most often in a public or private cloud.

On-premise vs SaaS: a diagram to compare

Let's imagine two businesses, A and B:

  • A Opt for a PIM SaaS : immediate access, outsourced maintenance, frequent updates but data hosted off-site.
  • B Pick a On-premise software : internal management, complete autonomy, specific development possible, but infrastructure and maintenance 100% under his responsibility.

Common examples of on-premise solutions

  • ERP software (SAP, Oracle)
  • Document management systems (SharePoint, Alfresco)
  • Custom-developed business tools

The key advantages of On-premise for a PIM

Opt for a solution On-premise PIM offers genuine strategic assets :

1. Full control over data

The local storage Bring a enhanced security. Your product data does not leave your company, limiting the risks of exposure to third parties and facilitating the application of strict security policies.

2. Extensive customization and tailor-made integrations

You benefit from a degree of personalization that SaaS cannot offer. Business connectors, specific workflows, proprietary developments: the field of possibilities is fully opened up with a On-premise software.

3. Regulatory compliance and sovereignty

Some sectors (industry, health, defense, public entities) legally require the control and location of data on site. One On-premise PIM then becomes essential to meet these obligations (RGPD, industry standards, etc.).

4. Independence from the public cloud

No forced outsourcing or dependence on the strategies of cloud hosts. You choose and control the life cycle of your data as for your application.

The limits of On-premise to anticipate

Before taking the plunge, it is essential to weigh the On-premise constraints :

More expensive infrastructure

The purchase and maintenance of servers, cooling, electrical power, backups... These costs are to be borne internally, without mutualization.

A need for internal IT skills

Managing a solution On-premise requires a qualified technical team, capable of ensuring maintenance, evolutions, security, and incident management.

Slower fluidity of updates

While the SaaS Suggest continuous and automatic evolutions, the On-premise requires planning and validating each update, which is sometimes complex on tailor-made environments.

More complex scalability

Increase the capacity or performance often requires material investments or technical migrations.

Why does SolidPepper offer its PIM in an On-premise version

SolidPepper has chosen to combine flexibility and vetting to meet the diversity of business needs:

  • Choice of accommodation (public cloud, private cloud, On-premise) to adapt to your requirements.
  • Features equivalent to the SaaS version : multilingual management, Integrated DAM, customizable business rules.
  • Specific technical support to guide your teams in installation, advanced configuration and upgrades.
  • Inspiring customer example

A large French industrial group, operating in several countries, has opted for SolidPepper In version On-premise.

Objective ? Guarantee the sovereignty of its product data, centralized and synchronized between subsidiaries, without compromising on security Or the personalizing connectors to the existing IS.

When to choose an On-premise PIM solution

  • You are facing strict security, RGPD or sectoral compliance constraints.
  • You have an IT department with the resources necessary to manage an on-site platform.
  • You want complete control of your infrastructure, from the OS to the database.
  • You require “tailor-made” connectors, complex internal flows or strong functional customization.

If your organization checks one or more of these boxes, On-premise software is the logical choice.

Best practices for effectively deploying an On-premise PIM

Involve the IT department from the pre-project phase

The service IT or DSI must be involved in the choice, architecture and governance of the project.

Prepare a sustainable maintenance plan

Define the processes for the application of security patches, the regular backups, and the Version upgrades adapted to the environment.

Anticipate hidden costs

Beyond software acquisition, include in your budget:

  • Physical infrastructure
  • System or middleware licenses
  • Human resources for administration and support

Collaborate with a reliable partner

Opt for a publisher recognized, able to provide support for longterm, the sustainability of updates and proactive assistance to the resolving incidents.

On-premise, a strategic and controlled choice

Depending on your context Occupation and regulatory, On-premise remains a relevant response, far from being archaic. It conjugates mastery, security and adaptability, where SaaS favors rapidity And the ease of access. With the PIM SolidPepper, you benefit from an informed and evolving choice between the agility of SaaS and the sovereignty of On-premise.

Discover the solution that meets your specific needs

Contact us today for tailor-made support and choose the PIM solution that perfectly matches your business and regulatory requirements. Request a personalized demo and exploit the potential of SolidPepper now!

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