Server in the office, or in the cloud?

First, what does the server actually do?

Many office servers do a mix of jobs: shared files, user sign-ins, printing, and one or two business applications. Each job may have a different best home.

• Shared files often move well to SharePoint and OneDrive in Microsoft 365, with no server needed.
• User accounts and sign-in can usually be handled by Microsoft 365 and its identity service.
• Business applications depend on the vendor. Some offer a cloud version, some run on a cloud server, and some need to be on site.

Reasons to keep something in the office

• Software that needs to be close to machines or equipment, such as on a factory floor.
• Very large files used all day, like design and video work, where internet speed would slow people down.
• An internet connection that is not reliable enough to depend on.

Reasons to move to the cloud

• People work from several places.
• No good, secure, cooled place for a server in the office.
• You want to avoid buying hardware every few years.

Compare costs fairly

A cloud server is a monthly cost forever. An office server is a large purchase plus power, backup and replacement. Compare over five years, including backup and support, before deciding. The answer is often a mix of both.