On-prem refers to software that is installed and run on computers on the premises of the person or organization using the software, rather than at a remote facility such as a server farm or cloud. On-premises software is a traditional model which requires a user to have a license to the software and the necessary infrastructure to support and run the software locally.
Here's a quick comparison between on-prem and SaaS:
On-prem: High initial costs due to hardware, software licenses, and infrastructure.
SaaS: Subscription-based with lower initial costs.
On-prem: User-managed maintenance including updates and security.
SaaS (e.g., Game Warden): Provider-managed maintenance with automatic updates and security.
On-prem: Accessible on-site or via a secured network.
SaaS: Accessible anywhere with an internet connection.
On-prem: Scaling may require additional hardware and software investments.
SaaS: Easier scaling to meet changing user needs.