When organizations begin their automation journey, one key question often comes up early:
Should we choose a cloud-based model or a legacy (on-premise) approach?
With WinActor, this is not just a technical choice – it’s a strategic one. The platform is designed to support both models, giving businesses the flexibility to align automation with their actual operating needs, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Understanding the Two Models with WinActor
Legacy (On-Premise) Model
At its core, WinActor is a desktop-based RPA solution. It runs directly on local machines and automates tasks by interacting with applications through the user interface (UI).
This makes it especially powerful in environments where systems are:
- Legacy or outdated
- Highly customized
- Lacking APIs
With WinActor, automation can be applied without modifying existing systems. It works across:
- ERP systems
- Internal tools
- Web and Windows applications
Key Benefits
- No need to change or rebuild legacy systems
- Fast deployment with minimal IT involvement
- High data security within internal environments
- One-time license model (CAPEX-friendly)
Best Fit For
- Organizations relying heavily on legacy systems
- Enterprises with strict security or compliance requirements
- Teams looking for quick automation without infrastructure changes
Cloud-Based Model (WinActor Manager on Cloud)
To support larger-scale automation, WinActor offers WinActor Manager on Cloud (WMC) – a cloud-based management layer.
Instead of running bots in the cloud, WMC focuses on centralized control and governance:
- Monitor all bots from a single dashboard
- Schedule and orchestrate automation processes
- Manage operations across departments or regions
This becomes critical as automation grows beyond isolated use cases.
Key Benefits
- Centralized visibility and control
- Scalable automation across teams and locations
- Strong governance and operational oversight
- Subscription-based pricing (OPEX-friendly)
Best Fit For
- Organizations scaling automation enterprise-wide
- Companies operating across multiple locations
- Teams needing transparency, reporting, and control
- Businesses adopting cloud-first strategies
Key Differences That Matter
Deployment Approach
- On-Premise (WinActor): Installed locally, runs within internal systems
- Cloud (WMC): Accessible remotely for centralized management
System Compatibility
- On-Premise: Designed to work seamlessly with legacy systems via UI automation
- Cloud: Focused on coordination, not direct system interaction
Scalability
- On-Premise: Ideal for department-level automation
- Cloud: Enables organization-wide scaling with structured control
Cost Structure
- On-Premise: One-time license (CAPEX)
- Cloud: Subscription-based (OPEX)
Choosing the Right Model with WinActor
In practice, most organizations do not adopt both models at the same time. The choice depends on how the business operates today.
Choose on-premise WinActor if:
- Your systems are legacy-heavy and difficult to modify
- Data security and internal control are top priorities
- You want fast results with minimal disruption
- You prefer a one-time investment model
Choose WinActor Manager on Cloud if:
- You are scaling automation across teams or regions
- You need centralized monitoring and governance
- You want flexibility in cost and deployment
- Your organization is moving toward cloud-based operations
Final Thought
With WinActor, the goal is not to push businesses toward cloud or legacy – but to support both, depending on what makes the most sense.
Some organizations need stability and control. Others need flexibility and scale.
The advantage of WinActor lies in its ability to adapt to both realities – helping businesses automate today, without limiting how they grow tomorrow. Contact us now to get a free consultation!
