When implementing the Redmine project manager in a company, it must be taken into account whether it will be self hosted (installed in the company's own servers) or cloud (it will be hosted in an external server). The difference between the two options focuses on maintenance costs, training for installation and investment in infrastructure.
Depending on the type of company and its needs, one or another Redmine implementation option will be more interesting.
Where to host Redmine
Redmine can be installed on the company's server to provide service or it can be contracted with a SaaS (software as a service) company where it will be located on servers outside the company.
Local Installation
A local installation of Redmine consists of installing and configuring the platform on the company's server. To carry out this project, four important factors must be taken into account:
- Hardware requirements. The minimum recommended configuration for installing Redmine includes an Intel i5 processor, at least 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of hard disk space. Although these requirements are not at all demanding, we would recommend to improve them if Redmine is going to be used by a number of users that will concur in the application and may eventually need more disk space for all the files they may upload to the tool.
- Installation and configuration. The initial installation and configuration of Redmine on a server requires specific knowledge, so companies should consider whether they have the qualified personnel to do this (for example, the database, MySQL or PostgreSQL or a web server must be configured).
- Update and maintenance. Redmine requires maintenance as well as version or security updates. As it is in the company's server, the company will be in charge of keeping it configured and constantly updated for its correct operation.
- Security in charge of the company. The security measures to be able to use Redmine safely, ensuring the integrity of data and communications, are in charge of the company, which can implement many types of measures (firewalls, backups, among others).
Redmine in the cloud
A plan to use Redmine can be purchased through a cloud service provider. This option provides a number of advantages such as:
- The provider takes care of the infrastructure. It is not necessary to be aware of the necessary hardware requirements since it is the service provider who provides and maintains them (breakdowns, upgrades, etc.).
- No need to install Redmine on your own. By contracting the Redmine cloud plan the software will be ready for use, without the need to worry about installation and correct configuration.
- It's a scalable service. If at any time more resources are needed, they can be hired on the fly, without the need to stop their activity (shutting down servers or reboots).
- Guaranteed maintenance and updates. Another aspect that becomes the responsibility of the provider company in charge of the hosted Redmine, is the maintenance and updates of the software. In addition, security will also be implemented by the service provider.
- Access from anywhere at any time. Redmine in the cloud benefits from one of the main advantages of this type of service. Users will be able to access the service from any location and at any time of day (this type of service usually has almost total availability, 24 hours 365 days).
When deciding on Redmine self hosted or Redmine cloud you have to consider the needs of the business. In today's market, working in the cloud is the ideal way to increase productivity, breaking the barriers of space and time. Using Redmine on-premises requires in-house employees with sufficient training to install, configure and maintain it.
