Smart Cloud vs International Cloud Providers: A Local Advantage for Smarter Hosting 

Thursday, August 07, 2025 by Robert Azzopardi

robert azzopardi

When evaluating cloud platforms, many businesses instinctively turn to big international names like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. But bigger doesn’t always mean better—especially when your needs are local, regulated and support-critical. 

Here’s how Smart Cloud stacks up against international public clouds, based on the factors that matter most to business owners: 

Cost Control and Predictability 

Public Clouds: Typically charge based on consumption with complex pricing tiers, unexpected egress fees and variable monthly bills. 
Smart Cloud: Offers flat-rate pricing tailored to Maltese businesses—so you always know what you’re paying and what you’re getting. 
🟢 Advantage: Smart Cloud 

 

Data Sovereignty 

Public Clouds: Data is often stored across multiple jurisdictions, subject to foreign laws  
Smart Cloud: Data is stored exclusively in Malta, providing clarity on legal jurisdiction and full compliance with the local regulatory requirements such as the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Malta Financial Services Authority.  
🟢 Advantage: Smart Cloud 

Technical Support 

Public Clouds: Offer tiered support plans (often at a premium), with responses from international teams or chatbots. 
Smart Cloud: Real-time support from a local, Malta-based team who understand your context and speak your language, including the possibility of direct escalation to a local technical account manager.  
🟢 Advantage: Smart Cloud 

Regulatory Compliance 

Public Clouds: May not be tailored to specific Maltese sectoral regulations or offer support during audits. 
Smart Cloud: Built for compliance, with features designed to help businesses in finance, healthcare and government meet regulatory obligations. 
🟢 Advantage: Smart Cloud 

While public cloud providers offer global scalability, Smart Cloud provides focused, local value—giving your business the control, support and confidence it needs in today’s compliance-driven environment. 

Thinking locally could be your smartest business move yet. 

 
Compare our cloud VPS options at melitabusiness.com/hosting-cloud/cloud-vps 

Robert Azzopardi

Robert Azzopardi

Chief Technology Officer - Smart Technologies Ltd