Short answer
To choose a cloud services provider, check who manages migration, access, backups and support after launch. Ask where data will be processed, what recurring costs apply, who is responsible for each task and how data can be retrieved. Courtier TI suggests a company that matches your project; you decide whether to accept its quote.
Prepare the requirements document
When should you call on a cloud company?
- Your server is aging and you are considering a migration to the cloud.
- You are moving your email and files to Microsoft 365, or want to better configure your current environment.
- You want to host applications or data on Azure or AWS.
- Your backups are not tested: a cloud backup with verified restores lowers the risk of losing data.
- You want hosting in Canada to keep control over where your data is stored.
In 2023, 48% of Canadian businesses with five or more employees used cloud computing services, an increase of 3 percentage points from 2021 (Statistics Canada, 2023 (opens in a new tab); population: businesses with five or more employees).
Data location
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security notes that Russian-state-sponsored cyber threat actors are almost certainly targeting cloud-based services with large numbers of customers in Canada (National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab)).
What to check before choosing
| What to check | Why it matters | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Where data is stored | It can affect your obligations, including under Quebec’s Law 25. | In which region will my data be hosted? |
| Backups and restoration | A backup is only worth something if restoring works. | How often do you back up, and how do you test restoration? |
| The migration | Moving to the cloud requires a plan and testing. | How does the migration work, and what is the rollback plan? |
| Access security | A compromised account can give access to your data. | What access measures do you offer, such as multi-factor authentication? |
| Service commitments | They specify what is covered. | What availability and support commitments are in the contract? |
| The exit | You must be able to get your data back. | How do I get my data back if I change providers? |
How does it work?
- You describe your project once, in a single form.
- The Courtier TI team first contacts you in less than 48 business hours, to understand your need, then suggests an IT services company that matches your project.
- That company presents its quote, and you decide.
The Courtier TI service is free for the business making the request.
Frequently asked questions
Can every application move to the cloud?
Not always. Some applications need adjustments, and others stay on site for technical or contractual reasons. A cloud provider can assess your environment and suggest a suitable approach.
Where will my data be hosted?
It depends on the provider and the region chosen. Ask about it in the quote, especially if you hold personal information covered by Law 25. This content is for information only and is not legal advice.
Do I have to migrate everything at once?
No. A step-by-step migration, starting with a less critical service, lets you test and fix issues before going further, depending on your environment.
What information should I provide to receive a quote?
Indicate the services to host, the number of users, the approximate data volume, your location requirements and your deadline. The Courtier TI team first contacts you in less than 48 business hours, then suggests an IT services company that matches your project.
How much does the Courtier TI service cost?
The Courtier TI service is free for the business making the request. The provider presents its quote, and you decide.