The choice between SharePoint Online and On-Premise is a strategic decision that Swiss companies should carefully consider. Both options have their merits – the individual requirements for data storage, costs, and flexibility are crucial.
SharePoint Online
Advantages
SharePoint Online is operated as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and does not require its own server infrastructure. Microsoft automatically handles maintenance, updates, and security patches, relieving your IT department. The platform offers a guaranteed availability of 99.9% and dynamically scales with your needs. Particularly relevant for Swiss companies: Microsoft operates data centers in Zurich and Geneva, ensuring data residency in Switzerland.
Disadvantages
The dependence on Microsoft as a cloud provider means limited control over infrastructure and update cycles. The recurring licensing costs per user can be substantial for large organizations. Additionally, deep customizations at the server level are not possible, and certain legacy solutions cannot be migrated.
SharePoint On-Premise
Advantages
On-Premise offers full control over hardware, network, and data. Organizations with strict compliance requirements – such as in healthcare or financial services – appreciate the physical data sovereignty. Farm solutions and custom timer jobs allow for maximum customization that is not available in the cloud.
Disadvantages
Operation requires dedicated IT resources for server maintenance, patches, and upgrades. Major upgrades, such as transitioning from SharePoint 2019 to Subscription Edition, are labor-intensive and costly. Scalability is limited by the own hardware, and remote access requires additional infrastructure like VPN or reverse proxies.
Hybrid Scenarios
Many Swiss companies opt for a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both worlds. Sensitive data remains On-Premise, while collaboration workloads are shifted to the cloud. Microsoft supports hybrid search, shared navigation, and Single Sign-On between both environments. CNEXT recommends a phased migration: start with non-critical workloads in the cloud and expand the scope based on your experiences.
Recommendation for Swiss Companies
For the majority of Swiss SMEs, SharePoint Online is the more economical and future-proof choice. Thanks to Swiss data centers and continuous innovation, the cloud variant offers the best return on investment. On-Premise remains relevant for organizations with specific regulatory requirements or extensive legacy customizations.
Further Links & Sources
Internal:
- SharePoint Migration Guide
- SharePoint Online in Detail
- SharePoint On-Premises in Detail
- Modern Intranet with SharePoint
- All SharePoint Services
External: