PoC options

There are different options available for conducting a proof-of-concept:

1. Evaluating the OT-BASE Asset Discovery software (free of charge)
2. Evaluating OT-BASE Asset Center in the cloud (regular subscription fee)
3. Evaluating OT-BASE Asset Center on-premise (lump sum for a fixed timeframe).

Every PoC starts with step 1, as it is the easiest way for an initial determination if OT-BASE is right for you. When you are happy with the results that you see in Asset Discovery and want to move forward, a decision needs to be made between step 2 and step 3.

SaaS option

In general terms, doing a PoC using the OT-BASE SaaS product is the simpler and more straightforward option. You purchase a subscription for the number of devices you want to include in the PoC, then get provided with access credentials for your virtual private OT-BASE server in the cloud, and can start right away without bothering with server installation, administration etc. You can conduct the PoC as long as you want, which may be months.

After you have reached a decision if you want to take OT-BASE to production use, you may simply continue using your server in the cloud. Or you may discontinue your cloud subscription and transfer the data to an on-premise OT-BASE Asset Center.

On-premise option

Doing a PoC on premise is a bit more complex as it requires you to install and administer a server for OT-BASE Asset Center. Nevertheless it is the appropriate way to go if you don't just want to evaluate the functionality of Asset Center, but also check out system and infrastructure related aspects, such as:

• user authentication using existing LDAP accounts
• suitability of existing server infrastructure
• suitability of existing networking infrastructure.

The third bullet point deservers particular attention. You may want to use the PoC for an estimate of deployment effort, especially when planning to use OT-BASE for multiple sites. Is your network architecture suitable for this? Which modifications must be made in firewall rule settings, and which effort is involved in these settings?

In other words, in an on-premise PoC, you are not just evaluating the functionality of OT-BASE, but also the cost of, and a potential roadmap for, deploying the solution for production mode.