// FREE BUSINESS TOOL
Do I need a server or the cloud?
It’s one of the most confusing business IT decisions — so let’s make it simple. Answer three quick questions for a clear, jargon-free steer.
- ● Plain English
- ● 30 seconds
- ● No pressure
STEP 1 OF 3
How does your team mostly work?
STEP 2 OF 3
Do you run specialist software that needs a local server?
LAST ONE
Do you have very large shared files or specific compliance rules?
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
What’s the difference between a server and the cloud?
A server is a powerful computer kept at your premises; the cloud means using services hosted online (like Microsoft 365). Many businesses use a mix. We’ll help you choose what fits.
Is the cloud always cheaper?
Not always, but it usually means less upfront cost, less to maintain and easy remote access. A local server can suit specialist software or very large files. The picker above gives a steer.
Can you move us to the cloud?
Yes — we plan and handle cloud migrations with minimal disruption, and we also design and support servers and networks where they’re the better choice.
Let’s find the right setup together
Whether it’s cloud, a server or a hybrid, we’ll design something that fits how you work — and look after it for you.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM
// HOW IT WORKS
How to decide between a server and the cloud
Most small businesses with flexible working and mainstream software are best on the cloud (Microsoft 365), while a local server or a server-plus-cloud hybrid suits you if you run specialist software, very large shared files or have specific compliance rules.
- Cloud is likely best when you work flexibly and use mainstream software (email, Office, web apps) - less to maintain, easy remote access, lower upfront cost.
- A hybrid suits a real mix of office and remote working - cloud services plus just-enough local kit.
- A server (or hybrid) suits specialist or older software, very large shared files, or specific compliance needs.
Step by step
- Describe how your team works — Open the picker and choose whether your team is mostly in one office, mostly remote and hybrid, or a real mix of both.
- Flag any specialist software — Say whether you run older or specialist software that needs a local server, or whether you mostly use email, Office and web apps.
- Note large files or compliance — Tell the tool whether you have very large shared files or specific compliance rules to meet.
- Read your steer — The picker recommends the cloud, a hybrid setup, or a local server, in jargon-free language with a link to the next step.
- Talk it through free — Book a free, no-pressure chat with 365 Techies to confirm the right fit and, if you're moving, plan the migration.
Good to know
When does a small business still need a physical server?
A local server (or a hybrid of server and cloud) usually makes sense when you run older or specialist software that expects one, work with very large shared files, or have compliance rules that need data kept on your own kit. For most other small businesses the cloud is simpler and cheaper to run.
What is a hybrid server-and-cloud setup?
A hybrid blends cloud services like Microsoft 365 with just enough local hardware on site. It's often ideal when you have a real mix of office and remote working - you get flexible remote access without giving up the local performance some tasks or software need.
Is moving to the cloud cheaper than buying a server?
Not always, but the cloud usually means lower upfront cost, less to maintain and easy remote access, whereas a server is a bigger one-off purchase you own and maintain. This picker gives a steer and 365 Techies can compare the real costs for your setup.