Once you’ve decided whether to purchase a 1C license or rent it, the next critical step is to determine where your data and the program itself will be stored and processed. This choice affects convenience, performance, security, and, of course, costs. Let’s explore the three main options for hosting 1C.

Option 1: Locally on the User’s PC (File Mode)

This is the simplest setup, where the 1C software and its database are installed and run directly on a single user’s computer.

Pros:

• Maximum simplicity for solo users: No need for complex setup or server hardware. Just install and go.
• Offline work: If the database is stored locally, you don’t need an internet connection to work.
• Low initial cost: All you need is a 1C license and a working computer.

Cons:

• Single-user limitation: Ideal for one user only. Multiple users accessing a local base can lead to data corruption and inefficiency.
• No centralized access: The database is only available on the specific PC where it’s installed.
• PC-dependent: Performance and stability fully rely on one machine. If it fails, your work stops.
• Backup responsibility: You are solely responsible for making regular backups of your database.

Best for:

Individual entrepreneurs, freelancers, or for test/training environments. Not recommended for full-scale business operations with multiple staff.

Option 2: On Your Own Server (On-Premise / Office or Data Center)

Here, you purchase 1C licenses (as discussed in the previous article) and install the system on your own physical server. This server can be located in your office or a dedicated data center. Most setups use client-server mode, with the database stored on a DBMS like PostgreSQL or MS SQL Server.

Pros:

• Full control over the server and data: You manage the hardware, OS, and all configurations — enabling maximum customization and security.
• High performance (if properly configured): You can tailor the hardware to meet your workload, which is critical for large databases and many users.
• Deep integration possibilities: Easier to integrate 1C with your internal systems.
• No third-party dependency: No reliance on external cloud providers.

Cons:

• High capital investment: You’ll need to purchase server hardware, networking gear, OS and DBMS licenses — a significant upfront cost.
• Ongoing maintenance required: The server needs power, cooling, physical security, monitoring, software updates, etc.
• IT expertise needed: Qualified staff or contractors are required for setup, support, and troubleshooting.
• Remote access challenges: Secure remote access (e.g., from home or while traveling) requires VPN setup or web publishing, which adds complexity.

Best for:

Medium and large businesses with many users, large databases, high security and performance demands, and an internal IT department.

Option 3: On a Rented Server (VPS/VDS) or with a Cloud Provider (SaaS)

This is the most common cloud option for 1C. You either rent a virtual server (VPS/VDS) from a hosting provider and install 1C yourself, or use a specialized 1C SaaS service (e.g., 1C:Fresh, Scloud), where everything is preconfigured.

On a Rented VPS/VDS (Your Server at a Host)

Pros:

• Control over the OS and environment: You install and configure 1C yourself.
• No need to buy physical hardware.
• Remote access and flexible settings.

Cons:

• Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain 1C.
• You are responsible for backups, security, and updates.

Best for:

Mid-sized businesses and tech-savvy companies who want cloud flexibility without buying hardware.

With a Cloud Provider (SaaS / Turnkey Solutions like 1C:Fresh, Scloud)

Pros:

• No server worries: All infrastructure, maintenance, updates, and backups are handled by the provider.
• Access from anywhere: All you need is a browser or thin client and internet connection.
• Scales easily: Add or remove users and resources as your business grows.
• Low startup costs: You don’t pay for licenses or servers — just a monthly subscription.

Cons:

• Provider dependency: If the provider has downtime, so do you.
• Standardized setups: SaaS services often support only typical configurations. Customizations may be limited or unavailable.
• Possible performance issues: If the provider skimps on resources, you might experience slowness.
• Data confidentiality: Your data resides on third-party servers — choose a provider who complies with privacy laws like 152-FZ.

Best for:

Small and mid-sized businesses, startups, companies without in-house IT staff, or those who want to minimize IT costs and maintenance. Also suitable for businesses using standard 1C configurations.

Conclusion

Choosing where to host 1C is a trade-off between control, convenience, performance, and cost. For small businesses, cloud solutions are often the most affordable and easiest path — enabling fast deployment without IT headaches.

In the next and final article in this series, we’ll take a closer look at popular 1C cloud providers like 1C:Fresh and Scloud, and explore how to ensure secure access to your 1C system in the cloud.