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Technology Comparison

Local vs Cloud Processing: On-Premise vs Cloud-Based 3D Data Processing

An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.

Feature Local Processing Cloud Processing
Hardware Own workstation Provider managed
Data Local storage Cloud storage
Speed Hardware dependent Scalable
Security Full control Provider dependent
Service Pricing $5,000-$30,000 workstation $100-$1,000/month typical
Option A On-Premise

Local Processing

On-premise processing with full data control

Local processing keeps all data on your own workstation with full security control and no internet dependency for sensitive projects.

Pros

  • Data stays local
  • No internet needed
  • One-time hardware cost
  • Full control

Cons

  • Hardware investment
  • Maintenance burden
  • Upgrade costs
  • Limited scaling

Best For

Sensitive dataRemote sitesEstablished workflows
Option B SaaS Platform

Cloud Processing

Scalable cloud processing with team collaboration

Cloud processing provides scalable compute power with no hardware investment, enabling team collaboration and remote workflows.

Pros

  • No hardware purchase
  • Scalable power
  • Collaboration ready
  • Always updated

Cons

  • Ongoing costs
  • Internet required
  • Data upload time
  • Privacy concerns

Best For

Team collaborationVariable workloadsRemote teams

Our Expert Verdict

Depends on Your Needs

Local for control, Cloud for flexibility.

Choose Local Processing if...

Choose local processing for data security and remote site operations.

Choose Cloud Processing if...

Choose cloud processing for team collaboration and scalable compute power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hybrid approach?

Yes, many workflows use local for sensitive data and cloud for heavy processing.

Need Help Choosing?

Our experts can recommend the right equipment for your specific project requirements.

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