Multi-tenant vs single tenant: Not all clouds are equal
April 28, 2023Multi-tenant or single-tenant? Your choice of SaaS solution can have a big impact on your business, but which one's right for you?
The cloud is nothing new. It’s been around since the mid-1990s, and many feel the cloud has been responsible for creating an unprecedented cultural shift in how we live our lives. However, the cloud itself has changed significantly since those early days and continues to evolve in new and exciting ways. And this evolution has had significant implications for brands and manufacturers the world over.
Today, it’s hard to imagine not accessing data wherever and whenever you need it. For that, we have Salesforce to thank. Back in 1999, Salesforce became the first company to offer software over the internet. This was the birth of software as a service (SaaS). Since then, SaaS offerings have diversified into many different options, such as single-tenant systems and multi-tenant systems. But what do these various tenancy options mean for you, your products, and ultimately your customers?
Understanding SaaS terminology
Before we dive into multi-tenant vs single tenant SaaS, there are a few key terms you need to understand:
- The cloud refers both to servers accessed remotely over the internet as well as the software and databases that run on those servers.
- Software as a service (SaaS) is a cloud-based managed service, or software licensing model, providing software to users. For example, Saas PIM software.
- Tenancy in SaaS refers to how the resources are shared. Each organization that uses an application is a tenant, who typically pays for access via a subscription model.
When researching SaaS products, and particularly the tenancy aspect of these applications, you’ll often see two options mentioned: single-tenant and multi-tenant. Let’s explore each of these terms in-depth, and what they both mean for you.
What is a single-tenant SaaS solution?
A single-tenant solution runs on dedicated cloud infrastructure. There’s no sharing whatsoever. The infrastructure, database, and application are solely yours. It’s a similar concept to a traditional on-premises solution – it’s just hosted in the cloud. That’s why some refer to single tenancy as a private cloud.
The benefits of single-tenant SaaS solutions
Single-tenant SaaS solutions are well suited to organizations that need complete control of their software’s specifications. You can skip a software release update, add extra functionality, and customize your user experience as much as you like. For large organizations that need the highest levels of security, like government agencies and healthcare providers, single-tenant SaaS is often the preferred option.
The downside? Dedicated infrastructure can be incredibly costly, and this can make a big impact in your multi-tenant vs single-tenant conversations. For example, while a multi-tenant SaaS solution’s development, monitoring, and servicing costs are shared amongst all users, single-tenant SaaS costs are solely on your shoulders.
In a similar vein to on-premises solutions, upgrading or moving single-tenant SaaS solutions can be incredibly resource-intensive. You typically won’t receive support with backup, restoring, or disaster recovery. You may also need your own team in place to maintain your system’s functionality and security after setup.
What is a multi-tenant SaaS solution?
In a multi-tenant environment, on the other hand, the SaaS vendor provides a single version of its software (or application) for all its customers — also known as tenants. Each customer has some level of customization and their own secure instance, keeping their data secure and invisible from other tenants.
The benefits of multi-tenant SaaS solutions
Shared infrastructure SaaS solutions come with several advantages. Multi-tenant solutions have lower costs but more efficient resources. They offer dynamic environments that efficiently scale to meet users’ capacity needs around the clock. You can rely on a predictable cost of ownership as you’ll only pay for the resources you use.
Maintenance and upgrades are handled by the SaaS provider, too, so there’s no need to schedule downtime and draft in experts for upgrades at your own expense. It’s no wonder that multi-tenant solutions have become the standard for enterprise SaaS environments.
Are there different cloud computing platforms?
The cloud isn’t just one server, but a generic name for a broad range of remotely accessible servers. Lots of companies have their own cloud computing service, making them cloud hosts. SaaS providers choose a cloud host for their software based on functionality, speed, security, and features like analytics to support their products.
Some of the most popular platforms include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and IBM Cloud. But what do you actually get from these platforms? Let’s take a look at Microsoft’s offering, Azure. Azure has the highest security standards, both internationally and on an industry-specific level. If you choose a SaaS solution that’s on the Azure platform, you can build connectors to take advantage of Azure services’ ecosystem within your existing network.
Finding the right multi-tenant SaaS solutions
Multi-tenant vs single tenant is just one question to consider. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to narrow down the right SaaS provider. Make sure your vendor prioritizes security, optimum efficiency, and gives your business the capacity it needs, even if demand unexpectedly surges from a viral moment or home-run campaign.
When it comes to PIM, Inriver’s multi-tenant SaaS solution offers the flexibility and scalability needed to meet the demands of modern commerce. With our market-leading PIM software, you can enjoy faster deployment, zero maintenance hassle, and the reassurance that you’re always on the latest release.
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frequently asked questions
how does multi-tenant architecture differ from a traditional single-instance application?
In multi-tenant architecture, a single instance of the software serves multiple clients (tenants), each with a secure and isolated space within the shared environment. This differs from a traditional single-instance application, where each client operates on a completely separate instance. The shared resources in a multi-tenant setup lead to more efficient utilization and lower costs, whereas single-instance applications often require more dedicated resources and higher maintenance costs.
what are the key multi-tenant properties that make it beneficial for businesses?
Key multi-tenant properties include cost efficiency, scalability, and reduced maintenance burden. Since resources are shared among multiple clients, the overall cost is lower for each tenant. The architecture allows for easy scaling as the business grows, and updates or maintenance tasks are handled by the service provider, ensuring minimal disruption. Additionally, the ability to customize the experience for each tenant without affecting others enhances flexibility.
can a single-tenant cloud architecture provide the same benefits as a multi-tenant database system?
A single-tenant cloud architecture offers benefits such as enhanced security, greater customization, and dedicated resources tailored specifically for one client. However, it does not provide the same cost efficiency and scalability as a multi-tenant database system, where shared resources allow for lower operational costs and the ability to scale dynamically. Single-tenant properties are ideal for organizations requiring strict data isolation and control, whereas multi-tenant setups are better suited for businesses looking for cost-effective, scalable solutions.
Getting started with PIM
Commerce is evolving and placing more demands than ever on your product information. Unlocking the value of this data with product information management software, or PIM, is essential to drive growth ambitions. Across sales, marketing, e-commerce, compliance, and IT, PIM provides a single source of truth that adds value at every stage of the product journey.
Lisa Quinn
Director of Product Marketing
As our product marketing director, Lisa is a product evangelist for all things inriver. From launching new products and services to managing our analyst relationships, she is talented in cultivating key stakeholder relationships and product stories that matter. She has been working in the European market for over 15 years.
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