DocuWare Cloud vs. On-Premise - Which Fits Your Company?
Published on 15 August 2026
One of the first strategic decisions in a DocuWare rollout: cloud or on-premise? As a partner with deep background in Windows Server, Linux Server and cloud architecture, we advise on this from real infrastructure experience, not pure sales perspective.
DocuWare Cloud
Advantages:
- No need to operate your own servers - DocuWare handles maintenance, backups and updates
- Faster go-live, since no server infrastructure needs to be built
- Location-independent access without additional VPN configuration
- Automatic scaling as storage needs grow
Considerations:
- Ongoing subscription costs instead of a one-time investment
- Internet connectivity becomes a critical prerequisite for daily operations
- Data location and compliance requirements should be clarified in advance
DocuWare On-Premise
Advantages:
- Full control over server location and infrastructure
- One-time licensing costs possible instead of an ongoing subscription (depending on the model)
- Deep integration with existing on-premise systems is often technically simpler
Considerations:
- Own server infrastructure (Windows Server or equivalent virtualization) required
- Maintenance, patching, backup strategy and failover responsibility lie with your own team
- Scaling for growing needs requires your own capacity planning
How we approach the decision
The right choice doesn’t depend on trends - it depends on your existing IT landscape: which systems are already in use? What’s the internet connectivity at your location? Is there already an established server infrastructure that should continue to be used or replaced? We clarify exactly these questions as part of analysis & consulting - embedded in a view of your entire IT environment, not considered in isolation just for DocuWare.
We then handle the technical implementation as part of implementation & configuration, regardless of whether you choose cloud or on-premise.
Our recommendation in practice
For most Austrian SMEs without a dedicated IT department, DocuWare Cloud is the more pragmatic choice today - less operational overhead, predictable costs, faster go-live. On-premise remains sensible when a robust, well-maintained server infrastructure already exists, or when specific compliance requirements demand a local data location.
Not sure what fits your company? Talk to us - we assess your situation honestly, not based on sales interests.
Frequently asked questions
Is DocuWare Cloud more secure than on-premise?
Both models can be operated securely - correct configuration is what matters. DocuWare Cloud centrally handles operations, backups and patching. With on-premise, responsibility for server hardening, backups and updates lies with your own company or its IT provider.
Can I switch from on-premise to cloud later?
Yes, a switch is generally possible. The effort depends on data volume and existing integrations and should be planned carefully in advance.
Do I still need my own servers for DocuWare Cloud?
No, not for DocuWare operation itself. However, your own servers/infrastructure remain relevant for connected systems such as ERP or file servers linked to DocuWare via interfaces.