On‑Premise vs Cloud: Who Really Owns Your Accounting Data?

If you’ve ever wondered who actually owns your accounting data—the software vendor or you—the answer depends on how you deploy your system. Let’s break down what data ownership and control look like in cloud solutions versus on‑premise setups, and why it matters to Singapore SMEs.

🗄️ What “On‑Premise” Really Means

• Self‑hosted: You install the software on a computer or server that you control (e.g. a workstation in your office). No internet connection is required to access your data.

• Full control of data & system: Your team has complete control over where your data is stored, how it’s backed up, and who can access it. This appeals to companies that prioritise data privacy and security.

• One‑off licence, you own the database: With ABSS/MYOB or SQL Account, you buy a perpetual licence. You can create multiple company files (up to five in most editions), back them up locally, and even move the database to a new machine if you stop using hosting or remote access services.

• Remote Desktop for anywhere access: To work remotely, you add a Remote Desktop solution. It transmits just keyboard, mouse, and screen data, so performance is similar to working in the office—especially for heavy transactions or large files.

• Higher upfront cost, lower ongoing fees: You invest in software and hardware up front. Annual support renewals tend to be modest (hundreds, not thousands), and you only pay extra if you need major upgrades or cloud hosting.

☁️ What “Cloud” Really Means

• Vendor‑hosted: Your data sits on servers you don’t own. You access the system via a browser or mobile app, anywhere you have internet.

• You Keep Your Data, Not the Servers (Export It Before You Cancel): According to one comparison of on‑premise vs cloud software, companies using cloud systems still own the data stored in the system but do not own the cloud itself. If the subscription ends or the vendor’s platform goes down, access to your data can be interrupted.

• Subscription model: Instead of a lump‑sum licence, you pay monthly or annually—often per user and per company. Over several years, these fees can exceed the cost of an on‑premise licence.

• Less IT overhead: Hardware, backups, and updates are handled by the provider. This keeps entry costs low and makes scaling up easier, but you also rely on your provider’s security, uptime and data protection practices.

🔐 Data Ownership & Control: Why It Matters

1. Privacy & PDPA considerations – Companies in regulated industries often prefer on‑premise because they keep full control of customer data and compliance processes. With cloud services, the provider manages infrastructure and updates, so you need to trust their security and regulatory alignment.

2. Business continuity – On‑premise systems can keep running even if your internet goes down. With cloud systems, you’re dependent on your provider’s servers and connectivity.

3. Migration flexibility – Owning your software and database makes it easier to extract or move your data. Cloud platforms vary in how easy it is to export all transaction history and attachments.

4. Cost predictability – On‑premise licences are a one‑off purchase plus low annual maintenance; cloud subscriptions can add up, especially for growing teams or multiple companies.

🧭 Deciding Which Fits Your SME

Ask yourself these quick questions:

• How sensitive is your data? If you handle confidential client details or need strict control, on‑premise may feel safer.

• Do you prefer capex or opex? On‑premise is a one‑time capital expense; cloud is ongoing operational expense.

• How stable is your internet? On‑premise still works offline; cloud requires connectivity.

• Do you need remote access? Both models support it—cloud out of the box, on‑premise via Remote Desktop solutions.

  
  

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. Many SMEs run their core accounting on‑premise for control and cost stability, while using cloud tools for e‑commerce, payroll or CRM. Some even host their ABSS or SQL Account on a managed cloud server—paying a hosting fee but still owning the software and database.

📩 Let’s Chat

Still unsure which way to go? We specialise in both on‑premise (ABSS/MYOB, SQL Account) and cloud options. If you want complete data ownership with flexible remote access, or just need advice on the best fit for your workflow, message Apscom Solutions today and we’ll help you choose and set up the right solution.