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The Pros and Cons of Choosing Tableau Cloud over On-Premises Tableau Servers

Here are main differences in Features Between Tableau Cloud and Self-Managed Tableau Server.

It is important to know that Tableau Cloud offers a more streamlined administrative experience compared to managing your own Tableau Server. Here, we'll highlight some of the key feature disparities, with a focus on their significance.

Simplified Administration:

In Tableau Cloud, administrative tasks are notably less labor-intensive, making it a favorable choice.

You can get a comprehensive overview of feature distinctions in the "Technical Considerations for Migrating from Tableau Server to Tableau Cloud" help topic.

Access to Repository:

Unlike self-managed Tableau Server, Tableau Cloud doesn't provide direct access to the Tableau Server Repository.

Administrators can gain insights into their Tableau environment, including licensing and performance, through the Admin Insights feature.

Guest Access:

Tableau Cloud doesn't support guest access as in self-managed Tableau Server.

Instead, you can utilize Connected Applications to expand access and collaboration.

Custom Fonts:

Custom fonts are not available for content in Tableau Cloud, which may affect the visual appearance of your reports and dashboards.

Single Site Model:

To streamline administration, Tableau Cloud employs a single site model.

If your organization uses multiple sites in Tableau Server, you may need to consolidate your content into a single site when transitioning to Tableau Cloud.

Migration Readiness Assessment:

Before migrating to Tableau Cloud, it's advisable to conduct the Tableau Cloud Migration Technical Readiness Assessment.

This assessment helps identify any specific use cases that may require adjustments to ensure a smooth transition.


In summary, Tableau Cloud offers advantages in terms of reduced administrative effort but comes with some feature differences to consider. Understanding these distinctions and conducting a readiness assessment can help you make an informed decision when migrating from a self-managed Tableau Server to Tableau Cloud.

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