Faced with power cuts, variable connectivity and budget constraints, what infrastructure should you choose for your business in Cameroon? Complete analysis.
The question every Cameroonian business faces
Sooner or later, every growing business confronts this question: where do we store our data and run our applications? The two main options:
- Local server: a physical machine installed in your premises
- Cloud: your data and applications hosted on remote servers (Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)
In a Western context, the answer is almost always "cloud". In Cameroon, the analysis is more nuanced.
The local server: the traditional option
Advantages in the Cameroonian context
Independence from internet connectivity: your applications work even without internet. In a country where connectivity can be interrupted or slow, this is a major advantage.
Total data control: your data never leaves your premises. Crucial for sectors with high confidentiality requirements (legal, medical, banking).
No recurring fees: once purchased, the server doesn't generate monthly costs (except maintenance and electricity).
Initial cost: a professional server suitable for a PME of 20-50 people: 800,000 to 2,000,000 F purchase.
Disadvantages
- Vulnerable to local incidents: power cuts, fire, theft, flooding
- Requires regular maintenance: hardware updates, security patches
- Limited scalability: if you double in size, you need to buy new hardware
- No automatic backup without specific configuration
- Energy cost: a server consumes electricity 24/7 (generator needed for business continuity)
Ideal for
- Businesses in areas with very unstable connectivity
- Regulated sectors (banking, healthcare) with strict data residency requirements
- Companies that have already invested in the infrastructure
The cloud: modernity and flexibility
Advantages
No initial investment: you pay as you go, from 15,000 F/month for a basic solution.
Automatic backup: your data is replicated in multiple datacentres, if one fails, another takes over.
Accessible everywhere: your team can work from any location with an internet connection. Ideal for companies with multiple sites or mobile staff.
Infinite scalability: need more capacity? A few clicks and it's done.
Built-in security: Microsoft, Google and AWS invest billions in security annually.
Disadvantages in Cameroon
Internet dependency: without connection, no access to your data. Critical during power cuts.
Recurring cost: 15,000 to 150,000 F/month depending on your needs. Over 5 years, it can exceed the cost of a local server.
Data hosted abroad: your data is often stored in servers in Europe or the USA. Some regulatory constraints may apply.
Latency: depending on your connectivity, some cloud applications can be slow.
The hybrid solution: the best of both worlds
At Unadresse, we most often recommend a hybrid architecture for Cameroonian businesses:
- Local server for critical data and applications that require speed and offline mode
- Cloud for backup, collaboration (email, file sharing) and disaster recovery
Example of a hybrid architecture for a PME of 30 people:
- Local NAS server (250,000 F): ERP, accounting, local files
- Microsoft 365 (15,000 F/month): email, Teams, SharePoint
- Cloud backup via Azure (8,000 F/month): automatic backup of local server
Total: 250,000 F upfront + 23,000 F/month
Decision matrix
| Criterion | Local server | Cloud | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | High | Zero | Medium |
| Recurring cost | Low | Medium-High | Medium |
| Internet dependency | None | High | Partial |
| Data security | Depends on you | High (Azure/AWS) | High |
| Scalability | Limited | Unlimited | Good |
| Business continuity | Risk (local incidents) | Excellent | Excellent |
| Recommended for Cameroon | Zones with poor connectivity | Stable urban connectivity | Most PMEs |
The Unadresse recommendation
For a business in Yaoundé or Douala with stable connectivity: hybrid cloud (Microsoft 365 + local NAS + cloud backup).
For a business in a rural zone or with frequent cuts: prioritise a local server with offline backup, supplemented by cloud for email only.
For a multi-site business: cloud is almost mandatory for centralising data between sites.
Conclusion
There is no universal answer. The right choice depends on your connectivity, sector, number of users and budget. What's certain: a "no infrastructure" approach, storing everything on local PC hard drives without backup, is the most dangerous option.
Contact Unadresse for a free IT infrastructure audit and a personalised recommendation.