Cloud vs. On-Prem: Which Storage Solution Fits Your Business?
The debate is heating up: should businesses keep their data on-premises or move it to the cloud? In this episode of Leaseweb Tech Talks, host Pamily sits down with Gabriele, Product Manager for Cloud Storage at Leaseweb, to unpack one of today’s biggest IT decisions.
Here are the highlights from their conversation:
What Exactly Is On-Prem Storage?
As Gabriel explains, on-premise storage is straightforward: your business owns and manages the hardware sitting in your data center. That means direct control over your infrastructure, but also responsibility for everything from updates to security patches.
“On-premise is storage that resides physically in your data center or infrastructure.”
It’s familiar, tangible, and often the traditional choice for companies that want full oversight.
Why Cloud Storage Changes the Game
Cloud storage, on the other hand, removes the hardware hassle. Infrastructure is delivered as a service, so scaling up or down happens instantly without new investments.
“With cloud, you don’t need to buy more hardware when your needs grow. You just scale.”
For businesses that need flexibility, speed, and global reach, the cloud is a strong option.
Cost Isn’t as Simple as It Seems
One of the myths Pamily and Gabriele tackled is that cloud is always cheaper. In reality, the cost equation depends on usage patterns:
On-prem can be more cost-effective for predictable, steady workloads.
Cloud shines for variable, unpredictable workloads where flexibility prevents overspending on unused capacity.
The right choice depends on how, and how much, your business consumes storage.
Security and Compliance: A Shared Priority
Both cloud and on-prem solutions can deliver strong security, but with different models. On-prem means you control every layer yourself. Cloud providers like Leaseweb build in redundancy, encryption, and compliance certifications that many organizations can leverage immediately.
It’s less about which is “safer” and more about what level of control and accountability your business requires.
The Hybrid Reality
Most companies today don’t stick to one side. Instead, they combine on-prem and cloud storage for the best of both worlds. This hybrid approach balances control with flexibility and is becoming the default strategy across industries.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- On-prem = control and ownership, but higher responsibility.
- Cloud = scalability and speed, but requires a different cost mindset.
The “right choice” depends on workload type, compliance needs, and growth goals.
Hybrid models are increasingly common and practical.
Want the full deep dive?
Listen to the episode of Leaseweb Tech Talks on Spotify.