The global market for LIMS software is expected to expand by a massive 7% by 2030 because LIMS can offer significant benefits to working laboratories. From easier inventory management to a comprehensive reporting function, LIMS can improve every aspect of day-to-day life in a lab.
But making a smart investment in LIMS isn’t just about choosing the best software, you need to know whether hosting your LIMS on-premises or in the cloud will lower your LIMS’ total cost of ownership. Otherwise, you could end up paying more for a solution that isn’t right for your laboratory.
Read on if you’re ready to learn how to make the best investment in this life-changing software. We’ll tell you all about the different ways to host your LIMS software, so you can make the best decision for your lab and your budget.
LIMS stands for Laboratory Management Information System. Using LIMS software, your laboratory can keep track of its inventory, workflow, and results. It offers a comprehensive solution that can help your team work more efficiently.
Whatever your laboratory’s needs; you can configure your LIMS software to meet them. You don’t need to pay extra for a custom-made laboratory management solution. You can simply tailor your LIMS to suit the way your laboratory works.
Cloud hosting and on-premises hosting are two different ways to run your LIMS software.
With on-premises hosting, you host all the hardware and software for your LIMS on the site of your laboratory. You have direct access to the relevant equipment and can control exactly what it stores. But you also must take responsibility for server maintenance, upgrades, and security.
When you host your LIMS in the cloud, an external service provider will host your LIMS software on their servers. Those servers are kept in an off-premises data center, where the service provider carries out any upgrades and maintenance on your behalf. You don’t have to burn money on server infrastructure or security–everything is taken care of by your service provider.
In almost every case, cloud-based hosting is the better option for your lab. Read on for an in-depth look at its many benefits.
Moving to the cloud is the best approach to reduce your LIMS’ total cost of ownership. Here are just a few of the benefits of a cloud-based LIMS.
Hosting software on-premises means investing in expensive hardware. You will also need an in-house IT team to ensure your hardware works effectively. With new technological advances, this is no longer the most efficient way to run your LIMS.
With a cloud-based LIMS, you can limit the costs of maintenance, upgrades, installation, and licensing. Your regular subscription fee covers all those services.
Setting up hardware on-premises can take the time you can’t afford. Cloud-based LIMS can be quickly set up, customized, and implemented. Your service provider will handle every aspect of the process for you.
Cloud-based LIMS software doesn’t need to be installed directly, either. Your team can access it online right away. This makes it a far more efficient approach than on-premises hosting.
Data security is a huge concern for any laboratory. But the right service provider will offer comprehensive data protection for your cloud-based LIMS. Even in a breach, you’ll have access to secure backups of your data.
Hosting your LIMS on the cloud does have some downsides. Here are some factors to consider as you make your decision.
When you host your LIMS with an off-site service provider, you need to trust that they will deliver the service you need. If they suffer downtime or security breaches, your access to your software could be compromised. You must establish a clear service level agreement with whatever provider you choose.
With so many LIMS software providers out there, it can be difficult to choose the right one. It’s important to take the time to select the right provider for your lab.
Is on-premises hosting right for you? Here are some of the advantages of hosting your LIMS on-site.
Opting for a cloud-based LIMS requires you to trust an external service provider. You may not have access to the location where your software is hosted. And if your service provider withdraws their service, you will need to find another solution.
But when you host your software on-premises, you won’t need to worry about changing agreements or increasing subscription fees. This way, you can be confident that everything is under your control.
When you host your LIMS, you have total oversight over the software. Maintenance, upgrades, and security will all fall under your remit. You won’t have to trust someone else to take care of it—you can do it yourself.
There are some significant disadvantages to on-premises LIMS hosting. These are just a few.
A regular subscription fee may put you off. But the up-front costs of purchasing servers are much more serious. And you’ll also have to manage the ongoing costs of staffing, maintenance, and upgrades.
You may even need to invest in upgrades to your premises. Otherwise, you could find yourself storing your hardware in unsuitable conditions.
Choosing and customizing LIMS software can take time. Setting up the proper hardware can take even longer. And after all that, you will still need to install and validate your LIMS.
When you opt for on-premises hosting, the implementation process can take months. If your laboratory operates on a tight schedule, this may not be a viable option.
If you’re worried about your LIMS’ total cost of ownership, cloud-based hosting is the smartest approach. It’s a modern, streamlined solution that offers a more comprehensive service at a much lower price. Plus, you won’t be responsible for expensive hardware maintenance, saving you money over time.
For laboratory managers looking for a cloud-based LIMS solution, Labwise XD is a low-code LIMS that manages every aspect of your lab. It can save an average of 15 hours for every staff member in your lab every week. It’s also fully compliant with GDPR and 21 CFR Part 11, so you can trust that your data is secure.
Book your free demo today if you’re ready to reap the benefits of LIMS software on the cloud.
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