Home Forums Discussions IT, Networking, PCs and more Should I move to the cloud?

Hello, I'm a 20y AC user, currently server based V 12.0
My server is 12yo, running Server 2012, and is getting a little erratic.
New server and Server 2025 will cost more than $15k.
I have 3 providers and 5 other people running AC. My current cable internet does 500MBs up and 35MBs down.
Cloud AC would make the new server unnecessary, and may otherwise be a little cheaper annually.
Is Cloud AC good/reliable/fast enough to make the jump?
Can I maintain a local backup when on cloud?
Would I theoretically be able to get my data back in a useful form if Harris tanks?
I would be grateful to hear anyone else's experience with the changeover, and recent experiences.
Thank you all for your help, and especially the longtimers like Bert who have helped so much over the years.

I don’t know much about cloud AC, but you need to fire whoever is advising you on IT matters. A new server update should cost a fraction of the $15k you mentioned. First of all, it’s very likely you don’t need to buy any new hardware—if your current server can handle Small Business 2012, it should be capable of running 2019 (which has an end-of-life in 2029) or possibly Small Business 2022. You just need to do a "clean install".
In any case, a decent Dell Poweredge server should cost you under $1,500, including Windows Server 2022. Moreover, AC can also run on a peer-to-peer network, so you would not even need server. A $15k price tag is absolutely ridiculous.

@VTWilson,

Reach out to me if you would like a server quote to run AC v12. $15k is highway robbery. Period. I can also provide you with onsite and offsite backups and so forth.

As patients often say to their doctors: it may be time for a second opinion.

JamesNT