Being a Data Steward means protecting people’s information with care and transparency. As more of our work and lives move into the cloud, it’s important to understand where data lives, who looks after it, and what rules apply. In this blog, we’ll walk through the basics of the cloud, data residency and sovereignty, and why having a trusted data steward matters.
What Is the Cloud?
Whenever you use cloud services to save your photos or documents, back up your business information, or use online apps, your data is being stored on a real computer servers. The cloud is just a network of these servers that store, manage, and process your data so you can access your files and use software over the internet.
When you use cloud-based services, your information isn’t floating in space. In reality, your data lives on physical servers, in multiple datacenters, somewhere in North America. Of course, this is dependent on what cloud vendor you choose, like Microsoft, Google, or Dropbox.
It’s up to the vendor you use to keep your data safe in case of a computer failure. That typically means replication, which is the name/service that keeps copies of your data in more than one server, often in another city. Cloud services can make your work life easier, but have you ever wondered where your data actually ends up, who’s looking after it, and what rules protect it?
What Is Data Residency and Data Sovereignty?
Let’s break down two terms you might have heard. Data residency is simply about where your data is physically stored. Data sovereignty means the laws of the country where your data is kept (or even just passes through) that apply to your information, no matter where your business is based or where you live. The rules can be very different from country to country, so this really matters if you care about privacy and security.
Why a Trusted Data Steward Makes All the Difference
With so many choices for cloud storage and IT services, it’s important to have a team you can count on to protect your information. A good “data steward,” (that’s what we strive to be at IT Horizons), knows how to keep your data safe, follows Canadian privacy laws, and is always ready to answer your questions using plain language. We believe you should never feel left in the dark when it comes to your business’s data.
How Data Storage Decisions Are Made
There are a few reasons why your data might be stored in a certain location:
- Legal requirements:
- Some industries, like healthcare or government, must follow strict rules about where and how data is stored.
- Business decisions:
- Your company may choose a particular location to meet internal policies or to control who can access your data.
- Cloud service providers:
- Sometimes, the company supplying your app or storage service decides where your data goes, and it could be anywhere in the world. That’s why it’s so important to read their privacy policies and ask questions.
Don’t Assume - Ask Where Your Data Is Stored
Many people think that if they do business in Canada or use a Canadian app, their data stays here too. That’s not always true. Your data could be stored (or processed) in another country where different privacy laws apply. We encourage everyone, from private individuals to businesses leaders in the profit or non-profit sectors, including Indigenous organizations, to ask service providers directly about where their data is stored and how it is protected.
Our Approach: Local, Reliable, Secure Data Stewardship
We’re proud to keep our clients’ data right here in Canada. Our data centres have all the reliability features you’d expect from big tech, such as backup generators, internet backbone, remote backups for disaster recovery, and uninterrupted power supplies. We own or manage the software and hardware, so you always know who to call if you have questions or concerns. We believe that local data storage and management builds trust and we’re here to support your success.
Let’s Connect! We’re Here to Be Your Friendly, Approachable IT Experts
Whatever services your organization relies on, we’re here and want to help you make informed choices about your data. We speak plainly (no confusing jargon), value your time, and want to see you thrive with secure, reliable Managed IT services. Reach out to our team today. We’d love to discuss how we can support your growth and give you peace of mind about your data.
