In recent years, collecting and analyzing data through surveys has become essential for companies across every industry. When dealing with sensitive or highly confidential information, many organizations are turning to survey software on premise as a more secure and customizable alternative to cloud-based platforms. In this article, we’ll explore why choosing on premise survey software could be the smartest decision for your company.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Advantages of survey software with On-Premise installation
Comparison of On-Premise and Cloud
When to choose an On-Premise solution?
Mistakes to avoid when choosing On-Premise survey software
Use cases
On premise survey software installation: main advantages
On-premise survey software is installed directly on a company’s servers, giving businesses complete control over their data storage, security, and management.
Key Benefits of On-Premise Survey Software
Full control of data security
When handling sensitive data, security is a top priority. With on-premise survey software, you have full control over security measures, including firewalls, encryption protocols, and access permissions. Unlike cloud-based solutions, an on-premise installation allows you to customize security settings to meet your organization’s specific requirements.
Regulatory Compliance
For industries with strict regulatory requirements—such as healthcare, finance, and government—on-premise survey software helps ensure compliance with national and international standards, reducing the risk of violations and penalties.
Seamless integration
On-premise survey software offers greater flexibility when integrating with existing business systems. With a solution like IdSurvey, you can connect seamlessly with CRM platforms, ERP systems, analytics tools, and marketing automation software. This ensures smooth data synchronization while keeping all information securely within your organization’s infrastructure.
Performance and reliability
Since on-premise survey software operates within your company’s network, it ensures high performance, low latency, and fast response times. Unlike cloud-based solutions that depend on third-party providers, an on-premise setup gives you full control over business continuity and helps minimize the risk of unexpected service disruptions.
Survey Software On Premise vs Cloud – Key Differences and How to Choose
Choosing between on premise survey software and cloud-based platforms depends on your organization’s needs around security, scalability, and control. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which survey software deployment model fits your goals.
| On-Premise Survey Software | Cloud Survey Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Maximum data protection and internal control with survey software on premise. | Security managed externally by the cloud survey software provider. |
| Customization | Highly customizable on premise survey deployment, tailored to your infrastructure and needs. | Customization limited to what the cloud-based survey platform allows. |
| Starting costs | Higher upfront investment for servers and installation of the on premise survey software. | Lower initial costs, usually with a monthly or annual subscription for cloud survey software. |
| Infrastructure maintenance | Requires internal IT resources to manage and update the survey software on premise. | Maintenance is fully handled by the cloud survey software provider. |
| Compliance | Ideal for highly regulated industries needing full compliance control via on premise survey solutions. | Compliance dictated by the cloud vendor’s policies and limitations. |
| Scalability | On premise survey deployments can scale with hardware upgrades and internal planning. | Scalability depends on the service plan and infrastructure offered by the cloud survey platform. |
When to choose an On-Premise survey software?
Choosing a survey software solution is the ideal decision in a variety of business scenarios, especially when security, control and customization are key factors. Here are the main reasons why a company should opt for this solution:
Highly Regulated Industries
Organizations in sectors such as healthcare, finance, government, and telecommunications must comply with strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001). An on-premise survey solution ensures full security control, simplifying compliance with these regulations.
Strict Internal IT Policies
Some multinational corporations and large enterprises require exclusive use of internal IT infrastructure for governance and risk management. In such cases, on premise survey software is often the only viable option.
Handling Sensitive or Confidential Data
Companies dealing with personal information, financial records, intellectual property, or proprietary research data must ensure maximum protection. With on premise software, data remains entirely within the organization, eliminating reliance on external providers for security and compliance.
Advanced Customization and Complex Integrations
On-premise solutions offer greater flexibility in integrating with business tools such as CRM, ERP, telephony systems, and internal databases. This makes them ideal for companies requiring highly customized workflows and automation.
Data Sovereignty Compliance
Some countries impose strict regulations on data storage locations. By using on-premise survey software, businesses can keep all data within their country, ensuring compliance with local data sovereignty laws.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing on premise survey software
When choosing a professional survey software, it is critical to avoid some common mistakes that could limit the success of the project:
- Underestimating requirements: ensure the on premise software is fully compatible with your existing infrastructure before purchasing.
- Neglecting maintenance needs: an on-premise software requires periodic maintenance and updates. Choose software backed by a professional technical support team.
- Lack of integration with internal systems: make sure the on premises software can adapt as your company grows and integrate with CRM, ERP and other systems already in place. Good integration allows you to optimize operational flows and fully adapt to business needs.
- Inadequate security measures: check that the software strictly adheres to your company’s security requirements. You must be able to maintain full control over privacy and data management.
- No backup or disaster recovery plan: many companies overlook the importance of a reliable backup and recovery system. It is essential to implement an efficient backup system and reliable disaster recovery procedures to ensure business continuity in case of emergencies or accidents.
- Limited in-House technical skills: to ensure effective management of an on-premise solution, it is essential that the company’s in-house technicians have the necessary skills to interface with the software vendor’s technical team. This ensures smooth communication, optimal management of configurations, upgrades and technical support, reducing intervention time and minimizing the risk of operational disruptions.
- Poor user compatibility: ensure that the software works properly not only on the backend but also on the frontend, on all devices (smartphones, tablets and computers) and on all major browsers. Excellent compatibility is critical to providing the best possible user experience.
- Choose user-unfriendly software: complicated or unintuitive software requires intensive staff training and significantly reduces productivity. It is important to select solutions that are easy to use, intuitive, and have clear and understandable interfaces for all users.
On premise survey software use cases
Dekra
Dekra chose IdSurvey on-premise to have direct access to the database and the ability to run custom queries and routines independently. This flexibility allowed IdSurvey to integrate seamlessly with its CRM, enabling effective synchronization between the systems. For example, appointments set through IdSurvey are automatically displayed and managed by the corporate CRM.
McNair Yellowsquare
McNair installed IdSurvey on-premise primarily for reasons related to security and control over the data collected. The main need was to ensure high standards of data protection by implementing strict internal IT security protocols. With IdSurvey installed on its servers, McNair can directly manage procedures, access monitoring and internal cybersecurity policies. This has enabled the company not only to meet stringent internal security requirements, but also to significantly increase its customers’ confidence in the management of their data.
TIM
TIM implemented IdSurvey as an on premise survey software, integrating it with its business tools, including CRM, Identity Access Management, phone bar and switchboard. Through this integration, TIM has automated the interview management process, eliminating the need for manual uploads of contacts. Interviews are initiated directly from the IdSurvey interface, following specific criteria defined in the CRM.
Integration with the switchboard allows interviewers to make calls automatically, optimizing time and simplifying workflow. This approach gives TIM an up-to-date customer overview, enhancing business strategies and improving customer service.
On-premise survey software: why is IdSurvey the ideal solution?
IdSurvey provides a powerful, secure, and highly customizable on-premise survey platform. Its modular architecture ensures seamless integration with your existing enterprise infrastructure while maintaining complete data control.
Choosing on-premise survey software ensures maximum security, control, and customization. IdSurvey is the ideal partner for companies looking to manage survey data efficiently while maintaining full compliance with industry regulations.
Learn more about how IdSurvey can support your business with a tailored on-premise solution.
On premise survey software FAQ
What is an on premise survey software?
On premise survey software is a solution installed and managed directly on a company’s internal servers, offering complete control over data, infrastructure, and security settings. Unlike cloud-based tools, this setup ensures all information remains within your IT perimeter.
When should I choose on premise survey software?
Opt for on premise survey software when your organization handles sensitive data, requires high-level customization, or must comply with strict privacy regulations. It’s also ideal for businesses needing deep integration with internal systems like CRMs or ERPs.
What technical requirements are needed for on premise survey software?
To run survey software on premise, you’ll need enterprise-grade servers, either an in-house IT team or a reliable external partner for system administration, and a plan for updates and maintenance to ensure long-term stability.
Can IdSurvey easily integrate with existing enterprise systems?
Yes, IdSurvey supports seamless integration with a variety of enterprise systems, including CRM platforms, ERP software, VoIP/phone systems, and other business applications, making it a powerful on premise survey software choice for complex environments.
Is on premise survey software more expensive than cloud solutions?
Initial setup costs for on premise survey software are typically higher due to hardware and installation. However, for medium to large organizations, long-term costs may be lower compared to ongoing cloud subscription fees—especially when advanced security is a priority.
Is on premise survey software also suitable for smaller companies?
While typically designed for medium-to-large businesses, survey software on premise can also be valuable for small companies needing strict data control, compliance, or tailor-made functionality not available in standard cloud solutions.
Can I switch from a cloud survey solution to an on premise installation with IdSurvey?
Absolutely. IdSurvey is built for flexibility. You can start with our cloud survey software and later migrate to an on premise installation with minimal disruption, depending on how your business requirements evolve.
