Cloud vs. On-Premise Solutions

Understanding the benefits of cloud-based 3D printer management compared to on-premise solutions.

Why SimplyPrint is Cloud-Based

At SimplyPrint, we've built our platform exclusively as a cloud-based solution to provide the most secure, flexible, and cost-effective 3D printer management experience possible.

While on-premise solutions may seem appealing for their perceived control, our cloud approach delivers superior security, accessibility, and value without the overhead of managing your own infrastructure.

SimplyPrint: A Massive Cloud System

SimplyPrint is not just a simple application – it's a massive distributed system comprised of numerous specialized components working together seamlessly:

  • Multiple interconnected microservices handling different aspects of 3D printing
  • Specialized servers requiring different hardware configurations and operating systems
  • Advanced AI services for print failure detection and optimization
  • Cloud slicing services that process 3D models without taxing your local hardware
  • 3D model processing services for optimization and repair
  • Various APIs connecting all components and enabling third-party integrations

Deploying this complex infrastructure on-premise would be prohibitively expensive and technically challenging for most organizations.

SimplyPrint's cloud architecture with various microservices

Benefits of Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based 3D printer management offers numerous advantages over traditional on-premise installations:

Enhanced Accessibility & Flexibility

  • Access your 3D printers from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Manage your print farm from any device - desktop, tablet, or smartphone
  • No need to be physically present at your printer location
  • Enable remote teams to collaborate seamlessly
  • Perfect for educational environments where multiple users need access

Superior Scalability

  • Effortlessly scale from one printer to hundreds
  • No need to upgrade local hardware as your print farm grows
  • Add new printers or users instantly without infrastructure changes
  • Automatic capacity adjustments during peak usage periods
Maintenance and accessibility of cloud-based 3D printer management

Advanced Security & Cost Benefits

  • Enterprise-grade security infrastructure maintained by cloud experts
  • Continuous security updates without manual intervention
  • Data encrypted both in transit and at rest
  • No server hardware to purchase, maintain, or replace
  • No need for dedicated IT staff to manage infrastructure
  • Predictable subscription-based pricing
  • Lower total cost of ownership compared to on-premise solutions

Seamless Third-Party Integrations

One of the most powerful advantages of our cloud architecture is the ability to effortlessly integrate with a wide range of third-party services:

  • Direct connections to various slicers and 3D model repositories
  • API access for custom integrations with your existing systems
  • Compatibility with single sign-on (SSO) providers
Security and cost benefits of cloud solutions

Cloud vs. On-Premise: Side-by-Side Comparison

SimplyPrint Cloud
  • Low initial setup cost (subscription-based)
  • Automatic maintenance and updates
  • Continuous security updates
  • Built-in remote access from anywhere
  • Instant and unlimited scalability
  • Built-in redundancy and disaster recovery
  • Seamless multi-user support
  • Continuous feature updates
  • Access to advanced AI and cloud slicing services
  • Effortless third-party integrations
Typical On-Premise
  • High initial cost (hardware + software + installation)
  • Requires dedicated IT resources
  • Manual and often delayed security updates
  • Requires complex VPN setup for remote access
  • Limited by local hardware capacity
  • Requires separate backup systems
  • Often limited or complex multi-user support
  • Manual and infrequent feature updates
  • No access to advanced AI and cloud processing services
  • Difficult and limited third-party integrations

Addressing Common Cloud Concerns

"What about my customer's data security?"

We take data security extremely seriously. All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest using industry-standard encryption protocols. Our infrastructure is protected by multiple security layers including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. We're fully GDPR compliant and host all data in EU-based data centers with strict security certifications. We also offer Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) for organizations requiring formal documentation of our security and privacy practices. Learn more about our certifications and standards.

"What happens if my internet connection goes down?"

SimplyPrint is designed to handle temporary internet outages. Your printers will continue running their current jobs even if the connection to our cloud is interrupted. The local SimplyPrint client maintains essential functionality during outages, and will automatically sync back with the cloud once the connection is restored.

"Isn't on-premise more secure because it's behind my firewall?"

While this is a common perception, modern cloud security often exceeds what most organizations can implement locally. Our cloud infrastructure benefits from enterprise-grade security measures, 24/7 monitoring by security experts, and regular penetration testing - resources that would be prohibitively expensive for most organizations to maintain in-house.

"What if I need to comply with specific regulations?"

SimplyPrint is designed with compliance in mind. We're fully GDPR compliant and can provide detailed information about our security practices to help with your compliance requirements. Our EU-based hosting and transparent data policies make regulatory compliance straightforward. View our certifications and compliance standards for more information.

"Do you offer an on-premise version of SimplyPrint?"

Currently, SimplyPrint is exclusively offered as a cloud-based solution. This allows us to provide the best possible experience with continuous updates, maximum security, and seamless scalability. While we understand some organizations may initially prefer on-premise solutions, we've found that the benefits of our cloud approach ultimately provide superior value and security for our customers.