When organizations evaluate how to deploy IFS, one of the most critical decisions they face is choosing between On-Premise and Cloud-based infrastructure. But before diving into this debate, it’s essential to understand what’s truly at stake—because the distinction isn’t as clear-cut as it may seem.

At the heart of the conversation lies a subtle but crucial question: Are you using IFS Cloud Services or not?

Understanding the Terminology

Let’s first clarify a common source of confusion: “IFS Cloud” refers to the latest ERP product from IFS. However, despite the name, IFS Cloud can technically be deployed on-premise. This often trips up stakeholders who assume “IFS Cloud” automatically means hosting in the cloud.

So, when we compare “On-Premise vs. Cloud,” the more precise distinction is this:

  • Are you using IFS Cloud Services (the full-service SaaS offering by IFS)?
  • Or are you managing your own infrastructure—whether that infrastructure is on-premise or hosted in a public/private cloud?

For this discussion, we’ll focus solely on the use of IFS Cloud Services.

What Are IFS Cloud Services?

Choosing IFS Cloud Services means much more than simply hosting your ERP in the cloud. It includes a full suite of services that extend far beyond basic infrastructure:

  • Automated platform provisioning based on IFS Cloud requirements
  • Installation and build management
  • IFS Use Place management for handling multiple non-production environments
  • Health and performance monitoring
  • Enhanced security protocols
  • Disaster recovery capabilities

This is a managed cloud environment, designed to reduce the technical burden on your internal IT team while maximizing uptime and reliability.

Advantages of IFS Cloud Services

For many businesses, IFS Cloud Services offer compelling benefits:

1. Comprehensive Managed Services

You gain access to essential platform management and support services, freeing your team from managing installations, updates, and server health.

2. Higher Availability

IFS Cloud Services are globally distributed and designed for resilience. If your internal IT capabilities are limited, leveraging IFS’s infrastructure can result in better overall uptime and system responsiveness.

3. Lower Operational Risk

Some administrative functions, such as direct Oracle application owner access, can carry risk if misused. IFS Cloud Services reduce exposure to these risks through controlled access models.

4. Potential Cost Efficiency

If your business doesn’t have the resources to replicate IFS Cloud Services internally, outsourcing them may lead to a lower total cost of ownership over time.

Disadvantages of IFS Cloud Services

However, IFS Cloud Services may not be the best fit for every organization. Consider these potential drawbacks:

1. Higher Costs for Mature IT Teams

If your company already runs an efficient, secure IT operation—especially one that supports other enterprise applications—then the added expense of IFS Cloud Services might not provide sufficient ROI.

2. Data Residency Challenges

Some industries or government clients require strict control over data location. For example, Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) regulations may prohibit the use of IFS Cloud Services due to the lack of a Canadian data center.

3. Reduced Control Over Data

Businesses that need fine-grained control—such as direct access to Oracle application-level features—may find the cloud model restrictive.

4. Cloud Limitations on Features

Certain functionalities, such as Document Management System (DMS) and BI tools, may behave differently or face constraints in the cloud, especially when dealing with large file storage or data warehousing needs.

Making the Right Decision

Choosing between IFS Cloud Services and a self-managed (on-prem or hosted) IFS deployment comes down to your organization’s capabilities, priorities, and regulatory environment. Ask yourself:

  • Do you require tight control over where your data resides?
  • Is your internal IT team equipped to handle provisioning, monitoring, and backups?
  • Are there functional or integration requirements better served by a self-managed deployment?
  • Or do you value offloading infrastructure concerns to a trusted provider?

At JumpModel, we help organizations evaluate and implement IFS solutions tailored to their needs—whether that’s a cloud-native deployment or a carefully orchestrated on-premise rollout.

Final Thoughts

The IFS Cloud ERP suite is a powerful solution—but how you deploy it matters. Understanding the trade-offs between IFS Cloud Services and self-managed hosting can lead to significant long-term gains in security, scalability, and total cost of ownership.

Need guidance choosing the right path for your IFS deployment?
Reach out to JumpModel for an expert assessment tailored to your industry, infrastructure, and growth goals.