6 reasons to choose a local cloud provider

U.S. President Donald Trump's policies have many European companies shaking in their boots. Is it still safe to store your data with American hyperscalers such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services (AWS)? These developments highlight the importance of reliable, local cloud providers. Discover why.

The privacy policies of the Trump administration are causing growing uncertainty among European companies. In particular, American cloud providers are drawing attention. Significant doubts have emerged about the confidentiality of corporate data stored with American providers such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Increasing concerns about security risks from the US

Growing concerns about security risks originating from the US (and China as well!) are leading companies in the European Union to reconsider their relationships with hyperscalers. Currently, there are insufficient guarantees regarding the secure and transparent storage of data in the cloud.

"Europe wants to reduce or eliminate its dependency on American tech companies out of fear that these companies could be used against European interests," says Marietje Schaake, former Member of the European Parliament, now affiliated with Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center.

Companies that value data security should avoid becoming entangled in political and economic developments in the United States. Better safe than sorry. Storing your data with a European, thus local, provider ensures you're playing it safe. Here’s why:

1. Secure, reliable, and accessible local data centers

With a local cloud expert, your data is in ultra-safe hands. Belgian cloud providers such as Combell operate their own data centers within the Benelux region. These providers must adhere to European legislation regarding security and transparency.

This means you have complete control over your data. Moreover, choosing a private cloud allows you to fully determine where your data resides.

There’s no need to worry, as Combell’s data centers are fortified fortresses that cannot be easily accessed.

Where you can always turn, however, is our support! Customers can rely on fast, personalized assistance in their own language—something international providers rarely match.

Take a look inside our data center:

2. Local cloud providers adhere to European regulations

So-called ‘data sovereignty’ is central to local cloud providers. Working with Combell guarantees that your corporate data remains within European borders, automatically ensuring compliance with European regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Equally important: cybersecurity is a top priority for Combell. By choosing us as your local cloud partner, you can rest assured that all our systems and policies are NIS2-compliant. Read more about this on our blog.

Recent court cases challenging data exchange between the EU and US underscore the importance of local storage to avoid legal risks.

For instance, in 2020, the European Court of Justice made a significant ruling to better protect Europeans' personal data in America.

3. Predictable pricing

The US is perilously close to engaging in trade wars with other (European) countries. There is a genuine possibility that major foreign cloud providers will have to significantly raise their prices.

This could result in complete uncertainty about your costs. You don’t want to experience a sudden scenario where cloud services you rely on no longer fit your budget.

A local cloud expert can provide you with that certainty. Besides determining your own capacity and economies of scale, your costs are much more predictable. When opting for Combell’s private cloud, you gain far better insight into your monthly expenses.

You only pay for what you actually use—a guarantee clearly provided beforehand.

4. Independent from geopolitical tensions

Dependence on American technology companies makes European businesses vulnerable to sudden policy changes and geopolitical tensions, as demonstrated during Trump’s presidency.

Ongoing trade conflicts between the US and China and sanctions against Russia illustrate how quickly political decisions can affect business stability.

Choosing a local cloud significantly reduces these risks, allowing you to maintain full autonomy over your IT infrastructure.

5. Flexibility and customer-centric solutions

Where large international cloud providers often stick to fixed packages with occasionally unpredictable costs, local cloud providers like Combell offer tailored and flexible solutions.

Local providers better understand their customers and can swiftly respond to specific needs and requirements, giving businesses precisely what they need. Or as Combell client Horta puts it: "Initially, we chose Microsoft Azure as our cloud partner. Yet, we found a better match at Combell, emphasizing stability and performance."

6. Investing in the local economy and employment

By choosing a local cloud provider, your company directly invests in the Belgian and European economies. It is important to support employment and stimulate technological innovation within the local market.

Investments in local tech companies create considerable added value. Every euro invested generates additional value within your own region. This not only strengthens the local economy in the long run but also promotes technological innovation and collaboration within Belgium.

Choose security and reliability

We cannot stress it enough: local cloud providers do more than just provide hosting services. With comprehensive strategic support, continuous monitoring, and clear communication, cloud experts like those at Combell help businesses prepare for future challenges and growth opportunities.

A local approach ensures that businesses always receive direct, personal, and expert service—clear, straightforward, and fully tailored to your needs and wishes. That’s how we like it!

By choosing Combell, you opt not only for security and reliability but also for a true partner who thinks proactively about the future.

Would you also like more control, security, and reliability? Discover what Combell’s cloud can do for your organization. Make your own data great again. 😉