Summary Page

Google Trends:

In all the Google Trends, a comparison between server hosting to three different brands/lines of servers in order to see whether people are using server hosting or online cloud services compared to a regular onsite server. The results diverge at similar times. One example of this is in December 2017. In the third trend, the results still diverge, however, at a smaller scale. Other than the points when the data diverges, the graphs are relatively similar. Since the graphs are similar, they are both widely used.

Sources:

Source 1:

The article in source 1 states when a on-premise server would be better than a cloud server, and when a cloud server would be better than an on-premise server. An on-premise server is a powerful computer that runs 24/7 in an office, and hosts applications required for a company to function. A cloud server is a server that runs 24/7 in a datacenter that can hold anywhere from hundreds of servers to thousands of servers. The article states that sometimes one is better than the other because different companies/people need them for different purposes. In addition, cloud services require a monthly fee to run, while on-premise servers have a one-time upfront payment for the machine. The reason for this is because cloud services maintain their servers for the customer. On-premise servers require an owner or an IT team hired by them to maintain their server(s). Power bills and internet bills still have to be paid for on-premise servers to run. If a piece of hardware breaks in an on-premise server, the owner must absorb the cost and replace the part. Cloud services replace parts on their servers without extra cost to customers.

Source 2:

The article in source 2 has a pros and cons list on the use of on-premise servers and cloud servers. Some pros of cloud services are that the customer does not spend any money to purchase the machine itself. Instead, it pays a monthly fee charged by the host to maintain the server. Cloud services have high scalability, which means the hardware used is flexible, and can be changed at any time easily. In addition, workers can work from anywhere with internet connectivity. They are not restricted to having to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to their work network. Some cons of cloud service are that the quality of the connection of those using server depends on the quality of the network connection at the time. This means that if the network is slow at some point or intermittent, people using the server would either have a very slow connection to the server, or they may not even connect at all. If a company/individual does not need to have 24/7 service, an on-premise server may benefit them more because of cost. Some pros of on-premise servers are that the company/owner has complete physical control over the server. Internet access is also not required to connect to a server locally, as long as it is within the company/individual's network. Some cons of an on-premise server include having an upfront cost for the machine, having to have a IT team or someone capable of managing/maintaining the server, and there are also no guarantees of uptime due to likely lack of redundancy within the office.

Source 3:

The article in source 3 states arguments in both sides, and which one is better in different cases. Cloud servers are paid monthly, instead of an upfront cost. For this, people generally believe that this is better. Another reason cloud servers are good is because it is highly scalable. CPU cores, RAM, and hard drive space can be added almost instantly. Cloud servers are very quick to deploy. Cloud service providers use a fully automated system to deploy servers to customers within a very short amount of time. Some perceive on-premise servers as better because if the server does not need to be run 24/7, money can be saved by turning it on and off when in use.