Rethinking SaaS solutions for education


On-premise solutions can provide a stable framework that is more suited for the long-term needs of educational institutions, unlike software as a service (Saas) offerings.

WITH advancements in technology and software rapidly evolving, schools that have relied on productivity software as a service (SaaS) solutions should reassess their long-term needs, as it is essential to evaluate whether these tools align with future goals.

Recent changes in service models by major providers have led to increased costs and reduced functionality for educational institutions, highlighting the importance of adopting systems that provide stability, scalability and control.

Upcoming adjustments by certain productivity SaaS providers include reduced storage allocations, limitations on software access and phasing out specific free plans.

These adjustments may push schools toward higher-cost paid plans or force them to reallocate resources to maintain functionality, prompting many to reevaluate their reliance on SaaS solutions.

Beyond financial implications, there are rising concerns over data privacy and compliance.

Educational institutions manage high volumes of sensitive information such as student records, financial data and research, making them prime targets of cyberattacks. A report by US-based IT security software company Netwrix, titled 2024 Hybrid Security Trends Report, revealed that 80% of educational institutions face cyberattacks annually.

Furthermore, compliance with regulations – such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Ferpa) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – requires secure, private and auditable data management practices, which some SaaS solutions may struggle to meet.

Shifting to an on-premise productivity solution offers educational institutions increased control over their data, cost predictability and storage scalability.

Unlike SaaS offerings, which can be prone to subscription fee hikes and unpredictable removals of service features, on-premise solutions could provide a stable framework that is more suited for long-term needs.

Locally stored data also ensures privacy, helping schools meet compliance requirements while protecting sensitive information.

Some on-premise productivity solutions, like Synology Office Suite, enhance collaboration and communication with tools for secure file storage, granular sharing permissions, real-time document editing and instant messaging, supporting both group projects for students and faculty file management.

Synology Office Suite simplifies data management, security and privacy while ensuring smoother workflow and stronger oversight of digital infrastructure.Synology Office Suite simplifies data management, security and privacy while ensuring smoother workflow and stronger oversight of digital infrastructure.

For IT administrators, these solutions simplify management with centralised dashboards, system health monitoring and auditing tools for compliance.

Advanced access controls also enable efficient delegation of tasks across IT teams, ensuring smoother workflows and stronger oversights of digital infrastructure.

While changes from major SaaS providers might disrupt operations in the short term, they also provide an opportunity for educational institutions to reassess the suitability of their current systems.

On-premise productivity solutions provide a sustainable pathway to address cost concerns, enhance security and build a resilient digital foundation for the evolving educational needs of educators and students alike.

For more information on Synology Office Suite, click here.

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