Your company data is the backbone of your entire business. Where you store it decides how fast you can work, how safe your information is, and how confident you can be when something goes wrong. Yet, most small businesses never question where their data lives until a client or team member cannot access a file, or worse, a catastrophe occurs.

We hope if you are here, it’s because you are ready to think about where your data lives, and what that means for your business! But before you choose a direction, it helps to understand the options (cloud vs. on premises vs. hybrid), what they mean and why many businesses are rethinking their approach in 2025.

What Is Cloud Storage?

Public Cloud (Microsoft, Amazon, Google)

Public cloud means your data is stored in large global data centres operated by providers like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, or Google Cloud. These platforms are highly scalable and cost-effective, but your data may be stored outside Canada unless special configurations are used.

In simple terms: you’re using shared global infrastructure maintained entirely by a major provider.

Benefits of public cloud storage for businesses:

• Lower upfront cost
• Extremely scalable
• Automatic updates
• Easy access for remote teams
  

Drawbacks to consider:

• Monthly costs increase as your data grows
• Dependent on reliable internet
• Less control over physical data location
• Potential challenges with Canadian data residency requirements
• Confusing administration panels for less tech savvy teams

Private Cloud (Intraworks Data Centre)

Private cloud is similar to public cloud in that your data lives outside your office in a secure data centre. Intraworks’ data centre falls into this category: technically a cloud environment, but with guaranteed Canadian data residency and dedicated infrastructure not shared in the same way as public hyperscale cloud services.

In simple terms: you get cloud flexibility, but your data stays in Canada under a controlled environment.

Benefits of on private cloud storage:

• Guaranteed Canadian data residency
• More control than public cloud
• Strong security and predictable performance
• Ideal for businesses with compliance requirements

Drawbacks to consider:

• Less globally distributed than public cloud

What Is On Premise?

On premise storage means your data is stored on servers located inside your office. You own the hardware and your IT provider maintains it.

In simple terms: your data stays in your building and under your control.

Benefits of on premise storage:

• Full control over security and access
• Guaranteed Canadian data residency
• No usage-based subscription fees

Drawbacks to consider:

• Higher upfront cost
• Ongoing maintenance responsibilities
• Harder to access from multiple locations
• Limited scalability without new hardware

What Is Hybrid Cloud Storage?

Hybrid cloud storage combines the flexibility of the cloud with the control of on premise systems. Sensitive data or high-performance workloads stay local, while collaboration tools, backups, and scalable applications run in the cloud.

In simple terms: you keep control of what matters most and use the cloud where it works best.

Benefits of hybrid cloud for SMBs:

• Balanced mix of security and convenience
• Supports Canadian data residency
• Cloud scalability when needed
• Strong disaster recovery options

Drawbacks to consider:

• Can be a more complex setup

Hybrid cloud has become the most common choice for SMBs because it avoids the weaknesses of both extremes. It offers flexibility where you need it and control where it matters. Intraworks can help you design a hybrid approach using services like Veeam cloud backup, managed private servers, and Microsoft 365 so your data storage matches the way you actually work.

How to Choose the Right Company Data Storage Approach

There is no single correct answer. The best option depends on your goals, your compliance requirements, and how your team works.

Ask yourself:

• Are we growing quickly and need easy scalability?
• Does our team work in-office or remotely, and what is their internet access like?
• What are our privacy and compliance obligations?
• How much downtime can our business tolerate?
• What would a breach or outage cost us?

For many SMBs, hybrid cloud offers the best long-term balance. But cloud only and on premise both remain strong choices when matched to the right needs.

The Bottom Line

Company data storage can be a complex topic, and there is no one size fits all approach. Cloud, hybrid, and on premise setups each offer clear strengths. The right choice is the one that supports your business strategy, keeps your data protected, and gives your team reliable access to the tools they use every day.

Intraworks helps SMBs design and manage company data storage solutions that are secure, compliant, and built for growth. From backups and disaster recovery, to data centre and cloud services and ongoing managed IT support, our team can help you identify the right mix.

Contact us to explore the right company data storage solution for your organization.