More and more businesses in Piacenza are moving servers, applications and data to the cloud. But “cloud” doesn't mean the same thing for everyone: some providers offer only hosting, others manage the entire infrastructure, and others still resell third-party services with no direct control. Understanding the difference is essential to avoid ending up with an inadequate service.
Managed cloud vs hosted cloud
The first distinction to make is between hosted cloud (you get a virtual machine and manage it yourself) and managed cloud (the provider designs, configures, monitors and maintains the entire infrastructure).
For a business with a small IT team — the reality for most SMEs in Piacenza — managed cloud removes the need for in-house expertise on patching, security, monitoring and backup. Your team focuses on the business, not on server maintenance.
Where your data lives: it's not a minor detail
The GDPR requires that personal data be processed in compliance with European regulations. Choosing a provider with exclusively European data centres means built-in compliance, without having to verify contractual clauses on extra-EU transfers.
A question to ask your provider: “In which country is my data physically located? Can I get written documentation?”. If the answer isn't immediate and clear, that's a red flag.
Certifications: what to ask for
A serious cloud provider should hold certifications specific to cloud service security:
- ISO/IEC 27001 — information security management system.
- ISO/IEC 27017 — security controls specific to cloud services.
- ISO/IEC 27018 — protection of personal data in the cloud.
- ISO 9001 — quality of management and support processes.
If your provider only holds the 27001 but not the 27017 and 27018, their certifications do not specifically cover the cloud services they are selling you.
NIS2 and public-sector compliance
With the NIS2 Directive now in force, businesses in essential and important sectors must prove that their IT suppliers also adopt adequate security measures. If your cloud provider is not compliant, you become the weak link in the chain.
For the Italian public sector, cloud services must be ACN-qualified and listed in the Cloud Catalogue. Not all providers meet this requirement.
The value of a local partner
A local IT partner in Piacenza who manages your cloud infrastructure offers a tangible advantage: they know your business, your industry and your priorities. You are not a ticket in a queue — you are a client with a name and a history. This translates into faster response times, more targeted solutions and a trust-based relationship.