What is the difference between a server-based and a cloud-based 3CX installation?

The distinction between a server-based and a cloud-based 3CX installation primarily revolves around their hosting and infrastructure. A server-based installation is deployed on local hardware, meaning that the necessary servers and related equipment are physically located on-site within the organization's premises. This approach allows organizations to have direct control over their infrastructure, including data security and maintenance.

In contrast, a cloud-based installation is hosted on the internet, typically managed by a third-party service provider. This means that users can access the 3CX phone system from anywhere with an internet connection, without the need for local server hardware. Cloud deployments often offer better scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to adjust resources as needed without the burden of hardware management.

While the other options mention various features of server-based versus cloud-based systems, they do not accurately reflect the core difference in hosting and operational management. For instance, it's not true that server-based systems cannot support remote users; they can, with appropriate configurations such as VPNs or remote extensions. Additionally, both server-based and cloud-based installations can offer comparable features, and a cloud-based setup does not inherently require a dedicated physical server since it's managed off-site by the service provider. Thus, the accurate representation of the difference lies in how each type is hosted