Expert Insights from ThrottleNet’s St. Louis IT Team
Are you thinking about moving your on-site network to the cloud? For many St. Louis businesses, the decision to migrate IT systems off local servers can feel complex. Whether you’re considering moving just a few applications or your entire network of workstations and servers, it’s important to understand both the advantages and challenges of cloud computing.
At ThrottleNet, our St. Louis-based managed IT and cloud specialists help local organizations assess their cloud readiness, choose the right hosting solution, and manage the transition securely to get your business network to the cloud.
What Is Cloud Networking?
Cloud networking allows your servers, files, and applications to run through internet-based infrastructure instead of on physical hardware in your office. This provides scalability, cost efficiency, and support for remote work—all essential for growing businesses in the St. Louis region that need flexibility and reliability.
Depending on your network to the cloud goals, your environment can be:
- Public Cloud (like Microsoft Azure or AWS)
- Private Cloud (dedicated infrastructure for enhanced security)
- Hybrid Cloud (a mix of both for flexibility and control)
Key Reasons to Move to the Cloud
Dustin Leefers, Senior Network Infrastructure Engineer at ThrottleNet, appeared on TNtv to discuss the benefits of moving your network to the cloud and expounds upon cloud-based technology. He notes that cloud migration makes sense for many businesses, especially those looking to modernize and reduce IT costs.
1. Financial Flexibility
Instead of paying a six-figure upfront cost for on-site servers, businesses can lease cloud servers on a monthly basis. This pay-as-you-go model reduces initial capital expenses and allows organizations to scale up or down as needed.
2. Operational Flexibility and Expandability
Network to the cloud environments make it easy to add users, applications, or resources quickly. New tools and updates can be deployed in hours instead of weeks, helping your St. Louis team stay productive and agile.
3. Ease of Upgrade
Cloud-based platforms simplify upgrades and maintenance. Software updates occur in one central location, avoiding the time and cost of upgrading individual machines or outdated local servers.
Potential Challenges of Cloud Migration
While the cloud offers powerful advantages, businesses should also consider potential drawbacks. Leefers highlights several important factors:
1. Potential Slower Performance
Applications requiring heavy database processing may experience latency in the cloud. Programs like email and file sharing usually perform well, but resource-intensive software may run slower without proper optimization. ThrottleNet helps clients assess workloads and select the right cloud configuration to ensure performance consistency.
2. Security Considerations
Cloud servers are built with strong security controls, but because they host data for multiple businesses, they can also attract cyber threats. ThrottleNet’s cybersecurity experts help St. Louis companies evaluate providers, implement encryption, and maintain compliance to safeguard sensitive data.
3. Internet Dependence
A cloud-based network requires a reliable internet connection. If your connection fails, your access to cloud systems is temporarily lost. However, because cloud data is accessible anywhere, your team can reconnect remotely—from home, a coffee shop, or another branch office—to continue working without disruption.
Cloud Migration Services We Offer
ThrottleNet provides a full suite of cloud migration and management services tailored to St. Louis-area organizations, including:
- Cloud readiness assessments
- Microsoft 365 and Azure migration
- Hybrid cloud architecture and implementation
- Backup and disaster recovery solutions
- Security, compliance, and access control management
- Continuous cloud monitoring and support
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, manufacturer, law firm, or local nonprofit, our team ensures your cloud migration is secure, efficient, and aligned with your business goals.
Why St. Louis Businesses Choose ThrottleNet
For over two decades, ThrottleNet has supported organizations across the St. Louis metropolitan area—from Clayton to Chesterfield, O’Fallon, and downtown—with expert IT consulting and cloud solutions.
We combine local, hands-on support with enterprise-grade cloud technology to deliver:
- Predictable monthly costs
- Proactive network management
- Real-time performance monitoring
- 24/7 support from St. Louis-based engineers
Our goal is to make cloud technology work for your business—not the other way around.
St. Louis Cloud Migration Success Story
“ThrottleNet made our transition to the cloud seamless. Our remote employees now have faster access to shared files, and our IT costs are predictable month-to-month.”
— Operations Manager, Manufacturing Company, St. Louis, MO
Watch: Cloud Migration Explained by Dustin Leefers
Video: Should You Move to the Cloud?
In this episode of TNtv, Senior Network Infrastructure Engineer Dustin Leefers discusses the financial, operational, and security considerations of moving your business to a cloud environment.
Watch the full video below to learn whether a cloud migration is the right move for your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the main benefits of cloud computing for small businesses in St. Louis?
A: Cloud computing helps businesses reduce upfront costs, improve scalability, enable remote work, and increase data reliability—all while receiving expert local IT support from ThrottleNet.
Q: Is cloud hosting secure for my business data?
A: Yes, when properly configured. ThrottleNet works with trusted providers like Microsoft and AWS to ensure your data is encrypted, backed up, and protected with advanced cybersecurity measures.
Q: How long does a cloud migration take?
A: Most migrations can be completed in a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of your network and applications. Our team plans migrations to minimize downtime for your business.
Q: Does ThrottleNet offer hybrid cloud options?
A: Absolutely. Many St. Louis companies benefit from hybrid setups that combine local servers with cloud-based storage or backup solutions.
Ready to Move to the Cloud?
If you’re ready to modernize your IT infrastructure and gain flexibility, security, and peace of mind, contact ThrottleNet’s St. Louis cloud specialists today.
Visit: ThrottleNet.com/contact
Request your free cloud readiness consultation today.
