Start with responsibilities
Infrastructure is a decision about responsibility as much as technology. A service can be convenient while limiting certain changes. A self-hosted system can offer flexibility while requiring a team to maintain it. The useful comparison begins with the needs of the business.
Ask what must remain portable
Content, customer records and application logic may need different levels of portability. Before selecting a platform, identify which information must be exportable and what it would take to move it.
Include the day-to-day work
A monthly server price is only one part of the decision. Updates, backups, recovery, monitoring and access management need an owner. Define these tasks before comparing options.
Choose for the actual operating model
Our approach is to document the trade-offs with the client. Managed platforms and owned infrastructure can each be appropriate. The choice should reflect the team, its resources and the importance of the system to the business.