LiveSwitch Server: Is It Right For You?

LiveSwitch is a versatile real-time communication platform that offers both on-premise and cloud solutions: LiveSwitch Server (on-premise) and LiveSwitch Cloud (cloud). There is also a third approach, LiveSwitch Private Cloud (hybrid), which we will discuss in later articles. The deployment decision depends largely on the needs of an organization.

In this article, we will focus on LiveSwitch server:

• How do you decide if this is the right approach for you?
• What are the pros?
• What are the cons?
• Who is this approach best suited for?

Pros of LiveSwitch Server

Data Control and Security

With LiveSwitch Server, customers get full control over their data and security. This ensures that sensitive information is managed in-house. On-premise deployment can also be tailored to the organization’s specific security policies and standards. This is crucial for industries with strict data privacy requirements.

Customization and Flexibility

Our on-premise deployment allows for customization to meet specific business requirements. For example, you will have access to features like SIP support, whose implementation varies from organization to organization. This is not available in LiveSwitch Cloud. On-premise deployment can also make it easier to align and integrate with your existing internal systems and applications.

Regulatory Compliance

LiveSwitch Server can be deployed to any desired location to comply with regulations (i.e. GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) that require data to be stored and processed within specific geographic locations.

Performance

Since LiveSwitch Server can be deployed to any location of choice, you can choose to deploy it closer to your customers or create your own server mesh around the globe. Additionally, having full control over the infrastructure allows you to tweak configurations to optimize resources based on your unique needs.

Cons of LiveSwitch Server

Cost

There are significant upfront costs when choosing LiveSwitch Server, which include the licensing fee and the hardware itself. There will also be ongoing costs for maintenance, upgrades, and staffing of IT personnel. However, these upfront costs could help result in long-term savings for high-volume customers. The ongoing maintenance costs tend to be more predictable compared to the cloud as well.

Infrastructure Management

Scaling up will require additional hardware and infrastructure investments, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, scripts to automate the scaling need to be written as well. 

Resource Management

Having an on-premise deployment requires a dedicated team for the management, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the infrastructure. Your organization will also be responsible for implementing and managing disaster recovery plans.

Who is the LiveSwitch Server best for?

LiveSwitch Server is best for organizations with (or have customers who have) stringent data security and compliance needs, those who require optimized performance based on the location of their customers, and those who have the IT resources to manage and maintain the infrastructure.

It is also best for LiveSwitch Cloud customers whose usage grows to a point where it makes economic sense to transition to an on-premise solution. In that case, our team is happy to help you with that switch! Aside from the infrastructure detail, moving to LiveSwitch Server from LiveSwitch Cloud is as straightforward as changing the URL that your application points to. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right deployment strategy for your real-time communication needs is a critical decision. LiveSwitch Server provides unparalleled control, customization, and compliance capabilities, making it an ideal choice for organizations with strict data security requirements, specific customization needs, and regulatory obligations. However, it comes with higher upfront and ongoing costs that require significant resources for maintenance and scalability.

For businesses that prioritize data sovereignty, performance optimization, and regulatory adherence, LiveSwitch Server offers a robust and reliable solution. Evaluating your organization’s specific needs, resources, and long-term goals will help determine if LiveSwitch Server is the right fit for you. Our team is always ready to discuss your specific requirements and help you determine the most suitable approach, be it LiveSwitch Cloud, LiveSwitch Server, or LiveSwitch Private Cloud. We’re here to support you at every stage of your journey, ensuring you have the right tools to succeed!

If you would like to try out our platform, sign up for now for free through our 30-day trial.

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