Cloud vs Local: Where Should You Be Saving Your Files?

October 16, 2025

If you run a small business, you’ve probably wondered: Should we store our files in the cloud or keep them on our computers and servers? Both options have pros and cons, and the right answer depends on how your team works, your budget, and how much downtime you can afford. Let’s break it down—without the tech jargon.

What “Local Storage” Means

Local storage means your files live on your computer, an external hard drive, or an office server. You can access them only when you’re at that location (unless you set up remote access).


Pros:

  • Full control — You know exactly where your data lives.
  • Fast access — No internet needed to open files.
  • One-time cost — Buy the drive or server once, and it’s yours.


Cons:

  • Risk of loss — Fire, theft, or hard drive failure can destroy everything.
  • Manual backups — You’re responsible for keeping copies elsewhere.
  • Limited access — Remote workers or multiple locations can’t easily share files.


What “Cloud Storage” Means

Cloud storage keeps your data on secure servers managed by companies like Microsoft, Google, or Dropbox. You can access your files from anywhere with internet access.


Pros:

  • Easy access — Work from home, office, or anywhere.
  • Automatic backup — Your data is mirrored across multiple data centers.
  • Collaboration — Multiple people can view and edit the same document in real time.
  • Scalable — Add or remove users easily as your business grows.


Cons:

  • Monthly cost — You pay per user or per storage amount.
  • Requires internet — No connection means no access.
  • Privacy concerns — You’re trusting a third party to store your data.


The Smart Move: A Hybrid Approach

For most small businesses, the best setup is both.

  • Keep active files in the cloud (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, etc.) so your team can collaborate and work from anywhere.
  • Keep local backups on an external drive or NAS so you still have access if the internet goes down or your cloud account gets compromised.

This gives you flexibility, redundancy, and peace of mind.


Security Matters, Too

No matter where you store your data, protect it with:

  • Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
  • Regular access reviews (remove old accounts)
  • Automatic backups (local or cloud-based)


Bottom Line

Cloud storage offers convenience, while local storage gives you control.  The smartest choice for most small businesses is a mix of both—fast access, reliable backups, and protection from the unexpected. If you’re not sure which setup fits your business, talk to your IT provider. A quick consultation can save you from future downtime or data loss.

Important Service Update: We're Coming to You

December 1, 2025
We've made an exciting change to how we serve our customers at Top City Tech. We are moving away from walk-in or drop-offs at our shop. Instead, we're bringing our expertise directly to you. We are now picking up devices from you, working on them, and returning them to you! Why This Change Benefits You Your time is valuable. We realized that requiring you to pack up your computer, drive to our shop, wait for service, and make another trip to pick it up was costing you hours of productivity. By coming to you, we're eliminating that hassle entirely. Faster turnaround. Without the overhead of managing a retail storefront, we can focus entirely on solving your technical problems quickly and efficiently. Many issues can be resolved on-site during our first visit, getting you back to work the same day. More personalized service. Seeing your technology in its actual working environment helps us provide better solutions. We can address network issues, printer connectivity, and other problems that only show up in your specific setup. How Our New Process Works 1. We Pick Up . Schedule a convenient time, and we'll come to your location to collect your equipment. No packing, no driving, no waiting in line. 2. We Do the Work . Your device gets our full attention in our workshop. We'll keep you updated on progress and any findings along the way. 3. We Return Everything . Once the work is complete, we deliver your equipment back to you, set it up if needed, and make sure everything is working perfectly before we leave. The Bottom Line This transition allows us to provide you with white-glove service that respects your time and delivers better results. You stay productive while we handle the technical heavy lifting. Ready to schedule a pickup? Send us an email, call, or text to get this started. Note : We no longer offer electronics recycling services. For recycling, please contact Mobile Wave Repair or Shawnee County Hazardous Waste to check on availability and capacity.

How to Update and Manage Your Passwords in Bitwarden

November 20, 2025
You've got Bitwarden set up. Your passwords are saved. Now what? Websites change. You need to update passwords. You want to add new accounts. Here's how to manage everything in Bitwarden.

How to Import Your Passwords Into Bitwarden

November 20, 2025
You've been using your web browser to save passwords—Chrome, Edge, or Firefox has been remembering them for you. Now you want to move all those passwords into Bitwarden so they're more secure and work across all your devices. Good news: you don't have to type them all in manually. Here's how to move them over.