Overview
This article outlines the differences between hosting the Alliant program in the Cloud versus hosting it on your own on-premises servers. Use this guide to evaluate the total cost, technical requirements, and ongoing responsibilities associated with each option.
Benefits of Alliant Cloud Hosting
- The Alliant Cloud is a fully hosted environment designed to run your Alliant Software Suite. Because it supports the current version, no additional end-user training is required.
- Alliant manages the entire IT infrastructure, allowing for faster and easier deployment of modules, such as the Service Module, Alliant Online Portal, Alliant Mobile, and Integrated Payments, without relying on local IT support.
- The Server/Infrastructure team is located in the same office as the Software team, which makes it easier to identify and resolve technical issues quickly.
- The Alliant Cloud represents the future of Alliant. New features and modules, such as AlliantBI, will be developed exclusively for Cloud users.
Resources Needed (Cloud or Self-Hosting)
- An on-site firewall for your internal network.
Note: Alliant IT can also provide and manage a Firewall as a Service, including adds, moves, changes, and updates.
- Desktop computers and peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, scales).
Alliant Cloud Hosting vs. Self-Hosting
See below a side-by-side comparison of hosting the Alliant program in the Cloud versus hosting it on your own on-premises servers.
|
| Alliant Cloud Hosting | Self-Hosted (On-Premises Server) |
| Server Hardware | Included in monthly fee – private, dedicated servers | Estimated cost: $15,000–$40,000 |
| Microsoft SQL Server Licensing | Included | Must be purchased and properly licensed (per-core or CALs required, especially if Customer Portal is used) – pricing included in the previous row |
| Microsoft Server Licensing | Included | Must be purchased and maintained |
| Server Setup & Configuration | Included | Requires IT setup and configuration (internal or external), typically billed as a project at ~$150/hour |
| Server Monitoring & Maintenance | Included | Ongoing cost for IT support or managed services |
| Security Patching & Updates | Included | Requires internal process or paid service |
| Backups | Included – full image-based backups | Requires own backup solution and off-site/cloud storage |
| Disaster Recovery | Included – managed by Alliant; faster recovery in case of server failure | Customer is responsible for all recovery efforts; higher downtime risk |
| Application Updates | Included | Manual process requiring IT coordination |
| Customer Portal Support | Included – IIS/Web Server included | Requires additional setup, web server licensing, and secure configuration; may require IT project hours |
| Security | Included – “Zero Trust” model with virtual firewall between app and web servers | Customer must maintain antivirus and configure secure remote access |
| Remote Access | Included – Web-based Alliant Access Remote Desktop Access | For remote locations (e.g., depots), requires setup of a local computer or terminal server to avoid poor VPN performance, adding costs |
| Alliant B.I. (Business Intelligence) | Included at no added cost – built-in dashboards and reporting tools | May require third-party BI tools or internal report writers, often at significant cost |
| Cost Predictability | One consistent monthly fee | High upfront costs plus variable ongoing expenses |
| Impact on Existing Costs | Can eliminate monthly fees for backups, BI tools, and server monitoring | May already be paying separately for these services |
Interested in the Alliant Cloud Solution?
Book a demo call to learn more.