You’ve probably heard about Modelon Impact, the cloud platform for virtually designing, simulating, and analyzing industrial systems (and if you haven’t, check out this overview video). You might even be looking to evaluate or purchase Modelon Impact for your team. 

Before using Modelon Impact, you’ll have to answer an important question. Between Modelon Impact Cloud and Modelon Impact Self-Managed, which hosting option is right for you? 

In this blog, we will discuss the differences between Modelon Impact Cloud and Self-Managed and the criteria for making the decision so that you can derive the most value.

What is Modelon Impact Cloud

Modelon Impact Cloud gives users access to Modelon Impact anywhere they have an internet connection with security and peace of mind. The platform is updated, administered, secured, and maintained by Modelon for use by organizations worldwide.

What is Modelon Impact Self-Managed

Modelon Impact Self-Managed requires the customer to manage, administer, and update Modelon Impact as new features, libraries, and security updates are released.

For those interested in Self-Managed, there are two deployment options. Some companies download and run Modelon Impact on a local server with local storage. Others integrate Modelon Impact with their company’s cloud infrastructure to give users greater flexibility.

Reasons to Choose Cloud

  1. Automatic Updates and Maintenance: When Modelon manages software updates, patches, and maintenance tasks, you gain access to the latest version of Modelon Impact with no internal work. Modelon Impact Cloud updates reduce workload and minimize downtime associated with maintenance activities. 
  1. Rapid Deployment: When managed by customers, the procurement, installation, configuration, and testing of hardware and software components often substantially slows down deployment of new software systems. With Modelon Impact Cloud, you can typically sign up for a subscription and start using the service immediately, decreasing the time-to-value for modeling and simulating physical systems. 
  1. Global Expert Support: Modelon Impact Cloud reduces the need for on-site IT maintenance because platform management, updates, and error handling are centralized. Our experts monitor systems to ensure maximum availability. Modelon provides platform and one-on-one remote support by skilled engineers. Our support team can also help those experiencing challenges with Modelon Impact Self-Managed. However, our experts have less power to solve the problem themselves. 
  1. Enhanced Security and Data Redundancy: Modelon invests heavily in security measures to protect platform and customer data. This includes using Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for all information. In addition, authentication failure monitoring and malicious user-agent blocking help keep the platform secure. Modelon also uses industry-standard redundancy, backup, and recovery practices. Additionally, Modelon has been audited by an external accredited third party.
  1. Global Reach: Because Modelon partners with one of the largest infrastructure providers in the world, we offer reliable simulation performance worldwide. This global reach enables customers to leverage the power of simulation wherever they have an internet connection. 
  1. Reduced IT Burden: By outsourcing infrastructure management and software maintenance to Modelon, organizations free up their IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives and higher-value activities. Reducing the IT burden can lead to increased innovation, simplified customer service from Modelon experts, and greater agility in responding to changing business requirements.

Who Should Use Modelon Impact Self-Managed

If your organization has strict software administration requirements, Modelon Impact Self-Managed is a practical option.

Our teams work across industries and understand the need for these policies. Modelon Impact Self-Managed organizations will receive two major releases per year, while Cloud organizations receive updates more frequently. Self-Managed organizations are responsible for ensuring their systems scale to meet their needs.

What to Expect When Switching

When switching to Modelon Impact Cloud, you can export models from your existing desktop environment (including other Modelica-standard tools) and import them into Modelon Impact using our streamlined import function. Teams using a version control system like Git or SVN can connect their system to access existing code inside of Modelon Impact.

Switching tools can be complicated, but Modelon’s professional services team can help migrate your engineering workflows, data, and libraries into Modelon Impact.

How to Switch

Existing customers should contact their account manager to begin switching over. Refer to these Help Center articles for specific instructions:

Import Models to Modelon Impact Cloud

Workspace Sharing to Speed Up Migration

Workspace Conversion from Desktop to Modelon Impact Cloud

Update Strategy Using Modelon Impact

If you’re curious about Modelon Impact’s capabilities and the benefits of a cloud-based system modeling and simulation tool, click here to speak with our experts.