What’s the Difference?
- Cloud-Based Systems
These are hosted by the provider, accessible online usually via subscription. They typically offer rapid deployment, remote access, automatic updates, and minimal IT overhead.
- On-Premise Systems
Installed locally on your own servers and managed internally. They offer deep control, customization, local security, and independence from internet connectivity—but require IT resources and come with slightly higher initial costs.
Cloud-Based Visitor Management: Advantages
- Fast Setup & Remote Access
Deploy quickly and manage the system from any location, ideal for multi-site environments. - Low Upfront Cost & Scalability
Typically operate on a subscription model—no heavy hardware investment—and scales easily with growth. - Automatic Updates & Real-Time Insights
Providers push updates, backups, and security fixes for you. Lookups and dashboards refresh in real time.
Drawbacks
Dependent on stable internet connections, less control over data location, and recurring costs over time.
On-Premise Visitor Management: Advantages
- Max Control & Customization
You own and manage everything—security protocols, data storage, workflows and interfaces can all be tailored. - Reliable Offline Availability
With no dependency on the internet, workflows continue smoothly even during outages. - Strong Security & Compliance
Keeps data in-house—crucial for regulated environments and organizations with strict policies.
Drawbacks
Higher upfront cost, requires IT support for maintenance and updates, and scaling often means more hardware
.
Why PassagePoint Stands Out as a Leading On-Premise Solution
If you're leaning toward on-premise—or unsure—here’s what makes PassagePoint Global a compelling choice:
- Unmatched Control & Security
Fully on-premise by design, PassagePoint keeps visitor data within your infrastructure—critical for high-security or compliance-heavy environments. - Scalable Across Locations & Use Cases
From single-lobby setups to global deployments, it supports multiple languages, centralized operations, and high customization. - Rich Feature Set
Includes visitor pre-registration, badge printing, background checks, watchlist screening, email alerts, audit trails, and integrations with access control systems like C•CURE. Lenel OnGuard/S2 and ProWatch. - Flexible Hosting
While primarily on-prem, some clients successfully deploy the server in the cloud (e.g., Azure), provided they address latency, bandwidth, and connectivity specifics. - Ongoing Support & Updates
STOPware consistently releases four plus updates per year, ensuring your system stays current. - Industry Fit
Special editions—Global, EDU (education), and Healthcare—cater to sectors that need extra attention to compliance and tailored functionality.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
Final Take
Cloud-based visitor management systems shine in environments that prioritize minimal IT involvement, quick roll-outs, and remote flexibility. But when control, security, reliability, customization, and feature depth matter most—especially across global, regulated, or mission-critical environments—PassagePoint's on-premise architecture rises above.
Its rich capabilities, tailored editions, scalability, and support ecosystem make it the smart choice for organizations that need not just visitor management—but total control.