51% of companies feel increasing pressure over data location, what to do?
A survey by team.blue, the international hosting group behind Combell, reveals that 51% of European companies are experiencing growing concerns about where their data is stored. These concerns aren’t just coming from customers, but also from employees, management and shareholders. And rightly so: trust, transparency and reputation are all under pressure when it comes to data location. This article explores why that concern is growing, what risks are involved, and how local hosting can help you stay in control.
Download the full report from team.blue
Geopolitical tensions and evolving regulations are pushing companies to rethink where they host their data. This report from team.blue reveals how over 2,000 European organisations are navigating data storage in today’s shifting landscape.
The need for certainty about data management and compliance
Data storage used to be a purely technical issue. But times have changed. It’s no longer just customers asking questions - employees, management and shareholders now demand clarity on data management and compliance.
That’s one of the key findings of an international survey, including Belgian data, by the hosting group team.blue, which includes Combell. As many as 51% of participating organisations report a clear increase in concern over data location in recent months. With ongoing geopolitical unrest, data location is climbing higher than ever on the corporate agenda.
Our clients don’t want their data sent to the US.
Survey respondent
Data location as a strategic issue
Maybe it happened to you as well: your IT team or external web agency chose your hosting provider. Whether they were based in the US, Russia or China didn’t really matter.
Today, the conversation around data location goes far beyond technology or cost. Customers have every right to know where their data is hosted. But management is also paying close attention. They want to understand the risks involved with data stored in the US cloud, and they’re thinking about the company’s reputation. And what about the legal implications?
The team.blue survey shows that rising concern is coming from multiple angles:
What does this tell us? Data location has become a strategic issue. It affects various departments within your organisation - From marketing and legal to HR and IT.
Talk about your data location. It’s an opportunity to show your organisation is transparent, aware and forward-thinking about data management.
Kenneth Deviaene, Solutions Sales Specialist at Combell
Unclear where data is stored
“Where is our data actually stored?” Many companies today struggle to give a clear answer. With the use of various foreign tools, cloud services and SaaS platforms, it’s often unclear exactly where data resides and under which laws it falls.
Unfortunately, that lack of clarity comes with consequences:
A need for more transparency
“It’s a good thing that companies are talking about data location,” says Kenneth Deviaene, Solutions Sales Specialist at Combell.
“The fact that internal or external stakeholders are raising questions about where your data is hosted doesn’t need to be a problem. I see it as an opportunity to show that your organisation takes a transparent, conscious and proactive approach to data management.”
“An open conversation about where your data is stored, how it’s protected and which laws apply helps build trust with your clients and partners. It also shows that your company takes responsibility for data security and privacy.”
Local hosting offers clear guarantees that international providers often lack. It’s the safest choice.
Kenneth Deviaene, Solutions Sales Specialist at Combell
Other key insights from the team.blue survey
More control over your data with local hosting
Fortunately, there are several ways for businesses to regain control over their data storage. One crucial step? Choosing a local hosting partner.
Why?
- You know exactly where your data is stored (with Combell: in European data centres)
- You are fully governed by European and Belgian GDPR regulations
- You can communicate more clearly with customers, auditors and partners
- You receive better service in your own language
"Local hosting is the safest choice"
Combell expert Kenneth also notices how concerned clients are about their data being stored in the US or Chinese cloud. His advice:
“Local hosting, like Combell’s, provides concrete guarantees that international providers often can’t. It’s the safest option. Our data centres are located in the Benelux, are ISO-certified and meet all strict European GDPR requirements.”
“You can count on us for 24/7 personal support from experts who fully understand local regulations. And all of that in your own language, no endless transfers or long waits.”
Choosing local hosting not only makes it easier to meet compliance requirements, it also increases actual safety: no data leaving the EU (no Trump looking over your shoulder), and no unexpected legal surprises.
Text continues below the video (in Dutch)
Make data location part of the conversation in your organisation
Are you responsible for your company’s or employer’s IT infrastructure and hosting? Then you’re in a unique position. You can help spark the internal dialogue around data location.
With the support of a reliable hosting partner like Combell, you’ll have the tools you need to lead that conversation confidently.
Want to learn about secure and local hosting?
Our experts are here to help. Get in touch or find out how our managed services can move your business to the local cloud.
Download the full team.blue report
Discover how other companies are responding to data storage concerns and why European businesses are choosing local hosting.
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