The cloud offers incredible power and flexibility for Ottawa SMBs, but cloud-first doesn’t always mean cloud-only. The smartest strategy is often a balanced one. So, what parts of your IT truly belong in the cloud, and what might be better kept on-premise? Many SMBs in Ottawa are unsure how to approach cloud adoption what to migrate, what to keep local, and how to avoid costly missteps.
This guide gives Ottawa SMBs a framework to make those decisions, helping you create a balanced hybrid IT strategy that meets your business’s needs.
At CapitalTek, we specialize in tailored cloud and hybrid IT solutions for Ottawa SMBs, ensuring you leverage the cloud strategically and securely.
Develop a smart cloud strategy for your Ottawa SMB. Consult with CapitalTek’s cloud experts.
Key Cloud Models Simplified
SaaS (Software as a Service): Cloud apps like Microsoft 365 or QuickBooks Online
PaaS (Platform as a Service): Tools for developers to build apps
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Cloud servers and networking resources
Benefits for Ottawa SMBs
Scalability without big upfront costs
Cost efficiency through pay-as-you-go models
Remote access for distributed teams
Disaster recovery with offsite redundancy
Email & Collaboration: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
File Storage & Sharing: OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive
Backup & Disaster Recovery: Cloud-based for secure offsite protection
CRM & Sales Software: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM
Accounting Software: QuickBooks Online, Xero
Website Hosting & E-commerce: Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace
Line-of-Business Apps: Many now have SaaS versions available
Legacy applications: Critical but not cloud-compatible
Highly sensitive data: Compliance-driven requirements
Unreliable internet: More common in rural areas outside Ottawa
Low-latency workloads: CAD, 3D modeling, manufacturing systems
Existing infrastructure investments: Short-term reason to stay on-prem
Assess apps and data individually
Prioritize based on cost, risk, and business impact
Plan integration between on-premise and cloud systems
Secure your environment with consistent policies
Consider data residency—many Ottawa SMBs prefer Canadian data centers
Myth: The cloud is always cheaper.
Reality: Cost depends on usage and management.
Myth: The cloud isn’t secure.
Reality: Reputable providers often exceed SMB security standards.
Myth: Cloud migration is all-or-nothing.
Reality: A hybrid strategy is usually best for Ottawa SMBs.
Cloud readiness assessments for your business
Hybrid IT design and implementation
Secure workload migration to the cloud
Ongoing management and optimization of your environment
For most Ottawa SMBs, a hybrid cloud approach migrating select workloads while keeping others on-prem delivers the best balance of flexibility, cost-efficiency, and control.
Make the cloud work for your Ottawa business. Contact CapitalTek to start building a thoughtful cloud strategy today.