Comparison
Sigma CRM vs. cloud-only CRM: when the choice of where it runs matters.
Many CRMs run only as SaaS in the vendor's cloud. That is often fine. This page explains, in general terms, where a CRM that can also run on your own servers is different, so you can decide what your company needs.
Side by side
General differences.
This compares deployment models, not specific vendors. Check the details of any product you consider.
| Topic | Cloud-only CRM | Sigma CRM |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | The vendor's cloud | Your own servers or our cloud |
| Where the database is | With the vendor | On-premise: your PostgreSQL database |
| Update timing | Set by the vendor | On-premise: you decide when to update |
| Licensing | Usually a subscription | Cloud subscription or Enterprise perpetual license |
| AI and agents | Varies by product | Same tools in UI, MCP, API and agents; choose your model provider |
| Exit path | Varies by product | CSV and Excel export for every object |
When cloud-only is enough
Cloud-only is often the simplest choice.
If your team is small, your data has no special location requirements and you do not want to operate servers, a cloud CRM is usually the easiest path. Sigma CRM is also available in our cloud as a subscription.
Unsure whether you need on-premise?
When on-premise is worth it
Reasons companies choose to run their CRM themselves.
Some companies need customer data to stay in their own network, for internal policy, for customer contracts or because their IT strategy says so. Others want control over update timing, or prefer to own a perpetual license instead of paying a subscription for as long as they use the software.
For those cases, Sigma CRM runs self-hosted as the same product as in the cloud.
Explore Sigma CRM
Features
Custom fields, a flexible data model, views, workflows and roles.
FeaturesAI & MCP
How AI works in Sigma CRM: agents, observers, Sammy and model choice.
AI & MCPMCP server
All use cases, setup in 3 steps and the tool list for Claude and other MCP clients.
MCP serverDeployment
Run it on your own servers or in our cloud.
DeploymentPricing
Cloud subscription or Enterprise perpetual license.
PricingGuides
MCP servers, Claude, AI sales agents, implementation, migration and cost.
GuidesFrequently asked questions
Is an on-premise CRM more secure than a cloud CRM?
Not automatically. Security depends on how the system is operated. On-premise gives you control over where data lives and who operates the system, which some companies need.
Can we start in the cloud and move on-premise later?
Talk to us. Both run the same Sigma CRM, and every object can be exported as CSV or Excel.
Does on-premise mean fewer features?
No. On-premise and cloud run the same Sigma CRM with the same features, MCP server and API.
Which license applies on-premise?
The Enterprise license, which is a perpetual license.
Find out which deployment fits your company.
We look at your data, your IT and your team and recommend cloud or on-premise.