Server vs. Cloud Backup: What’s Best for Your Medical Practice?
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare technology, medical, dental, and veterinary practices are increasingly facing an important question: Should we stick with an on-premise server or move our data to the cloud?
At Cornerstone Computer Solutions, our team specializes in helping practices across Colorado, Texas, and the greater Rocky Mountain Region evaluate their IT infrastructure and design solutions that are secure, compliant, and efficient. Whether you’re opening your first clinic or managing multiple locations, our goal is to help you find the right balance of performance, cost, and reliability.
Cornerstone Computer Solutions
Providing IT Services to the Healthcare Industry Since 2005!
Benefits of On-Premise Servers: When It’s the Right Fit
While cloud hosting has gained popularity, on-premise servers still have a strong place in certain practice environments, particularly where speed, control, and customization are critical.
- Faster access to large files like CBCT scans or dermatology images with minimal latency
- Maintains operations even during internet outages, ideal for practices in rural or underserved areas
- Supports legacy and customized software that may not run well in a cloud environment
- Long-term ROI—a well-maintained server can provide stable service for 5+ years
- Direct HIPAA compliance management, giving you more control over security protocols
Benefits of Cloud Hosting: Why It’s Gaining Popularity
Cloud solutions have become a go-to option for modern healthcare practices, especially those looking to scale quickly or reduce hardware management.
- Easy to scale as your team grows or when opening new locations
- Lower upfront costs with monthly subscription pricing models
- Enterprise-grade security and built-in HIPAA compliance from reputable providers
- Automatic backups and disaster recovery, minimizing data loss from accidental deletion or ransomware
- Remote accessibility, enabling doctors and staff to securely access systems from anywhere
How Do I Know If My Internet Speed Is Good Enough for Full Cloud Hosting?
Cloud hosting relies on strong, consistent internet access. Here’s how to know if your practice is ready:
- Minimum recommendation: This depends on the needs of each individual network and varies client to client, but at a high level, 100 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload for multi-user cloud environments is advisable at a minimum
- For a cloud-based dental or medical practice, fiber internet is essential because it offers significantly faster upload speeds, lower latency, and more reliable performance than coax. Cloud-based systems constantly send and receive data—such as imaging, EHR access, and VoIP—which require consistent, high-speed connectivity. Coax often can’t deliver the symmetrical speeds or stability needed to ensure smooth day-to-day operations, especially with multiple users and devices.
- Higher speeds may be required if your team works with large image files or simultaneous cloud apps
- Bandwidth stability matters as much as speed
- Not sure if your connection is cloud-ready? Schedule a free tech assessment with Cornerstone, and we’ll evaluate your setup.
What Infrastructure Is Better for Small vs. Large Healthcare Organizations?
- Solo or small practices: Cloud hosting is often ideal for its affordability and hands-off management
- Larger, multi-location practices: May benefit from hybrid models or enhanced on-site servers for speed and system control
- Cornerstone customizes solutions for both, ensuring technology grows with your practice
Should My Medical or Dental Practice Switch from a Local Server to the Cloud in 2025?
Many practices are considering the move in 2025 due to increasing software compatibility with cloud systems. A switch may be right for your practice if:
- You have reliable, high-speed internet (preferably fiber)
- Your software supports cloud hosting
- You’re managing multiple locations or remote teams
- You’re looking for built-in security and backup protection
Not sure if you’re ready? We’ll walk you through the decision points, assess your current setup, and help you plan a smooth transition, without disruption.
Should New Practices Start with On-Site Servers or Cloud Infrastructure?
For new healthcare providers, cloud solutions are often the best way to get started:
- No hardware to manage
- Lower capital investment
- Quick to deploy and easy to scale
- Cloud-native platforms are optimized for accessibility and HIPAA compliance
Cornerstone provides startup IT strategy and setup—getting your systems live, secure, and ready to grow.
What’s Better for High-Resolution Imaging—Cloud or Local Servers for Dental Offices?
High-resolution imaging files demand speed and power. Here’s how the options compare:
- Local servers allow faster access and performance for large files like digital impressions or CT scans
- Cloud-based access can be slower unless your connection is extremely robust
- Hybrid setup: Store and access imaging locally, but use cloud for secure backup and off-site access
We’ll help you find the right balance between speed and security.
What Is the Most Cost-Effective Backup Solution for Solo Providers?
Solo practitioners and small clinics benefit most from cloud-based backup:
- Low cost of entry, no need to purchase or maintain servers
- Fewer IT support needs
- Automatic updates and encrypted backup protocols included
- Fast recovery options in the event of data loss or ransomware
How Does Cornerstone Help Practices Choose Between Server and Cloud Setups?
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Instead, we take a consultative, strategic approach:
- Audit your IT environment and workflow
- Evaluate your current systems, growth goals, and bandwidth capacity
- Recommend and implement server, cloud, or hybrid solutions
- Support over 30 dental, medical, and veterinary software systems, ensuring full compatibility and minimal downtime
Why Hybrid IT Infrastructure Might Be the Best of Both Worlds
Many growing practices opt for a hybrid setup, and for good reason:
- Local servers run high-resource applications like imaging or legacy software
- Cloud systems handle backups, email, and mobile access
- This setup balances cost, speed, and flexibility, while meeting compliance standards
- It’s also future-ready, allowing you to shift more to the cloud over time
Let Cornerstone Help You Future-Proof Your Practice in 2025
Choosing between cloud and on-premise servers is a strategic decision that affects your practice’s efficiency, security, and scalability. While each option has its strengths, the best solution is the one that matches your workflow, your growth goals, and your budget.
Cornerstone Computer Solutions has been helping healthcare practices across Colorado, Texas, and the Rocky Mountain Region build smarter, more reliable IT systems since 2005. Whether you’re opening a new practice or rethinking your infrastructure for the future, our team will guide you toward the solution that fits just right. Contact us today to schedule your free IT assessment.
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