Cloud Computing Insider

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has revealed a 17.5% revenue increase for the June quarter, which, while surpassing Wall Street expectations, is considerably less than the growth rates reported by its competitors, Microsoft Azure at 39% and Google Cloud at 32%. This discrepancy highlights concerns regarding AWS's competitive position, particularly in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite AWS's substantial capital expenditures of $31.4 billion in the last quarter, which are more than its rivals, the financial results suggest that these investments may not be yielding the expected growth. Additionally, AWS's margins contracted to 32.9%, the lowest since late 2023, indicating growing operational pressures. CEO Andy Jassy remained optimistic during the earnings call, asserting it is still "very early days" in the AI race and emphasizing that AWS's larger infrastructure will position the company favorably once capacity constraints ease. However, the market reacted negatively, leading to a 7% drop in Amazon shares that could potentially erase around $170 billion from its market value.  

Are dedicated servers making a comeback in the age of cloud dominance? In this video, we dive into the surprising findings of a recent Liquid Web study, which reveals a growing shift in IT infrastructure choices. Despite the widespread adoption of cloud platforms, 86% of IT professionals report continued reliance on dedicated servers for critical workloads. Why? It comes down to control, cost predictability, and compliance. We investigate why 42% of organizations have moved workloads from the cloud back to dedicated servers in the past year, fueled by frustrations over rising, unexpected cloud costs—sometimes as high as $25,000—and underutilized features. From government agencies seeking robust compliance to finance and IT industries needing data security and uptime, we’ll explore the industries leading this trend and discuss why dedicated hardware remains essential for performance-intensive workloads.

  Discover how major cloud providers—AWS, Microsoft, and Google—are turning artificial intelligence into a marketing gimmick, driving up costs without delivering the real value enterprises crave. In this video, David Linthicum breaks down why tech giants are relentlessly hyping generative and agentic AI, but falling short on meaningful innovation that actually benefits business. With cloud-based AI services often costing three to five times more than on-premise solutions, many enterprises are becoming frustrated, skeptical, and increasingly vocal in their pushback. David explores how the rapid shift in messaging from infrastructure and architecture to non-stop AI promotion is alienating decision-makers and practitioners. He exposes why so many recent cloud conferences feel more like AI infomercials, while the true needs of enterprises—cost control, practical integration, and measurable business outcomes—are ignored. Ultimately, David argues that unless cloud leaders move beyond surface-level hype and invest in genuine, customer-driven innovation, they’ll risk missing the greatest tech market opportunity of our time.

In a recent article from ITPro Today, new research from Deloitte sheds light on the pressing challenges organizations face as they adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations. As businesses increasingly turn to cloud solutions for their AI needs, they are often unprepared for the skyrocketing costs that come with it. The research uncovers a critical inflection point: when public cloud AI expenses hit 60-70% of the total ownership costs for dedicated infrastructure, organizations find themselves at a tipping point where shifting to private cloud solutions often becomes more sensible. This rapid evolution from modest AI experiments to significant infrastructure challenges reveals a stark reality; the cloud's initial accessibility can quickly lead to budget constraints as workloads grow more demanding. Meanwhile, technological advancements such as AI-specific processors, including NPUs and TPUs, are changing the landscape of what is possible, necessitating a reevaluation of existing IT setups.

A significant shift is occurring in how organizations approach AI workloads, as many CIOs are reevaluating their reliance on public cloud services. With rising costs and escalating concerns about data privacy, companies are increasingly favoring private cloud and on-premises solutions for their AI strategies. A recent survey indicates that 67% of enterprise leaders plan to move some AI data to non-cloud environments within the next year, reflecting a growing need for cost predictability and improved security.   The video highlights the trend toward private cloud spending, which is outpacing public cloud investments. Organizations running consistent AI workloads can achieve substantial cost savings by investing in dedicated GPU resources rather than relying on rental models in public clouds. This shift signifies a broader strategy that prioritizes ownership and control over sensitive data, as many organizations navigate regulatory compliance challenges.

Public cloud services have revolutionized how businesses operate, offering unparalleled scalability, convenience, and innovation. However, an often-overlooked truth is that even the most reliable public cloud providers can—and do—fail. From unexpected outages to major disruptions, relying too heavily on third-party cloud platforms introduces significant risks that too many businesses fail to fully understand or prepare for. When these providers experience downtime, organizations face ripple effects ranging from financial losses and operational delays to regulatory exposure and reputational damage. Notable incidents, such as the CrowdStrike outage in 2024 or disruptions at leading cloud providers, have highlighted the vulnerabilities within this dependency. Businesses impacted by such incidents have experienced billions in losses due to delayed operations and compromised services. The lesson is clear: no cloud provider is immune to interruptions. Organizations must adopt proactive risk management strategies, such as diversifying providers, implementing comprehensive third-party risk management (TPRM) practices, and preparing failover solutions to minimize damage. Risk management in the cloud is not optional—it’s essential. By acknowledging the potential for failure and preparing accordingly, businesses can protect themselves from the costly consequences of cloud disruptions while still leveraging the advantages that public cloud services provide. The key is resilience and preparation, not blind trust.  

The Broadcom Private Cloud Outlook 2025 report uncovers a pivotal shift in enterprise cloud strategies, revealing a "cloud reset" as organizations recalibrate their workloads toward hybrid and private cloud solutions. Based on insights from 1,800 IT leaders worldwide, the report highlights growing trends in workload repatriation, security concerns, and the rise of private cloud as a cornerstone for IT modernization. With a focus on balancing performance, control, and cost efficiency, this report provides an insight into how enterprises are reconfiguring their cloud strategies to meet evolving demands in an era of generative AI and heightened compliance requirements.

The world of cloud computing is evolving faster than ever, and artificial intelligence is at the heart of this rapid transformation. Businesses of all sizes are looking for new ways to automate workflows, gain insights from massive amounts of data, and create smarter, more efficient applications—and AI in the cloud makes all of this possible. As a result, there’s a surge in demand for professionals who not only understand cloud platforms but also know how to unlock the power of AI. Today, some of the most exciting and high-impact jobs blend these two areas of expertise. Companies need specialists who can design intelligent solutions, automate machine learning processes, and keep cloud-based AI systems secure and reliable. Whether you’re just starting your tech career or looking to transition into a cutting-edge field, focusing on AI-powered cloud roles can open doors to rewarding opportunities with top employers. If you have a passion for innovation and an interest in working at the intersection of AI and cloud technology, now’s the time to explore what’s possible. Here are five hot AI-powered cloud jobs that you can get today—roles that are in high demand and shaping the future of tech.

Staying ahead in the cloud computing world means keeping up with fast-paced change, new technology, and industry insights from those shaping the future. But with so many sources out there, where do you turn for information you can trust—without getting overwhelmed or sifting through vendor hype? I’m David Linthicum, and in this video, I’ll share the independent podcasts, YouTube channels, and trusted online magazines I rely on to cut through the noise and stay truly informed.   From deep-dive interviews and real-world analysis to step-by-step tutorials, these sources help me track emerging trends, understand cloud adoption challenges, and see where innovation is headed—whether I’m at my desk, on the go, or just looking for fresh perspectives. If you’re serious about maximizing your knowledge and staying relevant in the cloud, these resources are a great place to start. Let’s dive in and build your cloud news toolkit together!

Cloud computing has long been heralded as the default path for enterprise IT, with public cloud vendors promising limitless scalability and transformational efficiencies. However, recent data reveals a significant shift in this narrative: cloud spending is leveling off, and in some sectors, it may even be declining. Organizations are becoming more strategic in their technology investments, moving away from a “cloud-first” mandate and instead toward a value-driven mix of public cloud, private infrastructure, and alternative providers. Several factors drive this change, most notably the rising total cost of ownership for many workloads in public clouds, paired with the decreasing price of enterprise hardware that makes private cloud and on-premises solutions far more attractive. Additionally, new options, such as special-purpose clouds, sovereign clouds, colocation facilities, and managed service providers, are emerging as compelling alternatives. This evolving landscape enables enterprises better to control costs, performance, and regulatory compliance. As global businesses seek to optimize their IT portfolios, the myth of inevitable all-in public cloud adoption is being replaced by a more nuanced, pragmatic approach—one focused on flexibility, business requirements, and maximizing long-term value.  

Cloud migration is a critical step for organizations looking to modernize infrastructure, improve scalability, and drive innovation. In this video, we provide a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the essential aspects of migrating workloads and data to the cloud. You'll learn about the most common migration pitfalls that can stall your project, from underestimating legacy system complexity to hidden costs and downtime issues. We dive into various migration strategies—including rehosting, refactoring, and replatforming—and discuss how to choose the best path based on your business objectives and technical requirements. Security and compliance are front-and-center considerations, and we address how to embed robust practices from the outset to protect sensitive data and meet regulatory standards. The video also covers practical guidance on minimizing business disruption during migration, managing costs throughout the process, and supporting your team through comprehensive training and change management initiatives. Post-migration, we explore strategies for continuous optimization to ensure long-term success, including leveraging cloud-native features for improved performance and cost savings. Finally, we share lessons learned from real-world migrations—both successful and challenging—to help you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re planning your first migration or optimizing ongoing cloud initiatives, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need.  

When it comes to cloud computing, most of the attention is focused on migration—moving workloads and data into the cloud, chasing promises of scalability, agility, and cost savings. But what we don’t hear about nearly as often are the projects going in the other direction: enterprises quietly moving data and workloads back out of the cloud, a process known as cloud repatriation. Here’s the reality most people rarely discuss: a staggering 98 percent of cloud repatriation projects are handled in secret. In many cases, these initiatives aren’t just kept quiet externally—they’re often shielded from employees and, sometimes, even from leadership outside of the core IT or operations teams.   Why such secrecy? For many organizations, admitting to repatriating workloads is seen as an acknowledgment that the original cloud migration was a misstep. There’s a fear of reputational risk, internal embarrassment, and scrutiny from stakeholders. Furthermore, unless there’s a strong marketing or financial incentive—like a technology partner offering deep discounts for going public—there’s simply no business advantage to sharing these details. In this video, I’ll break down why most enterprises keep their cloud repatriations in the shadows, and explore what this means for the future of cloud strategy.  

In 2025, the responsibilities and expectations for Cloud Architects have dramatically evolved, moving far beyond initial infrastructure deployment to embrace a holistic, business-centric mandate. Drawing on decades of industry analysis and hands-on experience, this paper explores this transformation through the lens of practical outcomes and strategic enablement. Today’s Cloud Architects must orchestrate complex, multi-cloud ecosystems, drive cost optimization, and embed governance and security by design, all while aligning cloud strategies with dynamic business objectives. No longer just technical implementers, Cloud Architects in 2025 serve as trusted advisors, partnering with leadership to identify opportunities for AI integration, automation, and accelerated innovation. The research presented illustrates how this role now demands deep understanding of emerging technologies, financial modeling, organizational change management, and sustainability considerations. Incorporating real-world guidance and lessons learned, this work outlines a path forward for Cloud Architects to remain relevant and impactful, reinforcing the imperative for a blend of hard technical skills and business insight to drive meaningful digital transformation.

Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern software development, with promises of increased scalability, resilience, and agility. Organizations are rapidly migrating workloads and re-architecting systems using microservices, containers, and managed services, convinced these steps will eliminate the rigidity and risks of traditional monolithic applications. However, beneath the surface, many cloud architectures fall into subtle traps, unwittingly recreating the same monolithic patterns they sought to escape—resulting in architectures that are "monoliths in disguise."

Over the past two decades, certain players in cloud computing have lost credibility by putting their interests ahead of real client value. Big consulting firms boasted vendor awards like “Partner of the Year,” but were often rewarded more for selling providers' technology than delivering the best solutions to clients. Many took finder’s fees or other monetary incentives, steering enterprises into expensive, overengineered platforms optimized for quota, not business outcomes. Public cloud providers also share blame, promising radical cost savings and agility while hiding the complexity, hidden fees, and risk of vendor lock-in, leaving businesses with spiraling costs and inflexible architectures. Meanwhile, too many IT executives jumped on the cloud bandwagon out of fear of missing out, rather than building thoughtful strategies aligned to their organizations’ needs. After years of costly implementations that failed to deliver the promised value, enterprises have grown wise to these self-serving tactics. They’re turning away from hype, seeking independent, vendor-neutral advisors, or growing expertise in-house. Today, businesses demand transparency, tailored strategies, and a clear focus on business results over sales quotas, trophies, or buzzwords. Moving forward, only those providers, vendors, and leaders who prioritize real value and honest guidance will earn lasting trust in the cloud computing industry.

Cloud computing is full of uncomfortable realities that most organizations ignore at their peril. Optimization tools, often touted as the answer to spiraling costs, are typically engineered to miss the most expensive inefficiencies—providers have little incentive to help you truly cut spend. Enterprise contracts and customized SLAs offer a false sense of protection; when crises hit, businesses often find they have little real leverage and are ultimately responsible for building their own resilience. The much-hyped “cloud transformations” in most enterprises are superficial—legacy applications are simply rehosted instead of truly reengineered, creating expensive technical debt rather than delivering genuine innovation. Security failures rarely come from outside attackers; instead, it’s insider mistakes—like misconfigured permissions or careless credential exposure—that trigger the most damaging incidents. Meanwhile, the booming market for cloud certifications fails to guarantee real-world skill—teams stuffed with credentials often lack the hands-on capability to handle the complexity and unpredictability of actual cloud operations. Ultimately, succeeding in the cloud means rejecting illusions and facing the gritty truths: you can’t outsource vigilance, optimization, or real transformation. True cloud maturity requires continuous auditing, ruthless realism, and a culture that values outcomes and operational discipline above hype or credentials.

This talk provides a strategic roadmap for building a successful cloud computing career, emphasizing technical and business skills. It begins with the importance of self-assessment and industry awareness, helping attendees identify where their strengths and interests best align within the fast-evolving cloud landscape.   The presentation breaks down five primary cloud career domains—Architecture, DevOps, Security, Data/AI/ML, and Consulting—with talking points outlining the essential skills, preferred certifications, and typical growth trajectories in each. Attendees learn why architects focus on scalable and cost-effective system design, how DevOps roles drive automation and deployment efficiency, and why cloud security remains a mission-critical, evolving specialty. The talk also explores the high-impact nature of data and AI/ML roles and details the versatile, client-facing world of cloud consulting.   A key takeaway is the necessity for continuous hands-on learning, community engagement, and the development of technical expertise and soft skills. The session concludes by encouraging attendees to be intentional about their career moves, pursue ongoing education, and remain adaptable to thrive as cloud computing transforms the technology landscape.

European organizations are increasingly questioning their reliance on US hyperscalers like AWS, Microsoft, and Google amid growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty. At April's KubeCon EU event, discussions highlighted a surging interest in alternative cloud providers driven by several pressing concerns: unreliable US policies, escalating pricing due to tariffs, and fears of espionage. The unpredictable nature of decisions under leaders like Donald Trump has amplified the urgency for companies to protect their operations and data from potential disruptions. Prominent figures like Mark Boost, CEO of UK-based Civo, and Frank Karlitschek of Nextcloud noted a sharp rise in inquiries about sovereign cloud services. Customers fear the US administration’s ability to abruptly cut off services, access confidential data, or impose unforeseen regulations. These concerns are paired with frustrations over the dominant “oligopoly” of US providers, who hold approximately 70% of Europe’s cloud market. Transitioning away, however, isn't easy. Migration timelines often span months or years, requiring a phased, strategic approach. Yet, motivated by fears of losing control of their data, some organizations are seeking rapid moves. As geopolitical shifts create significant anxiety, leaders argue this could accelerate Europe's push toward building a sovereign, competitive cloud ecosystem, offering alternatives to US dominance.

Over the past two decades, public cloud providers have transformed IT, offering unmatched scalability, agility, and innovation. Organizations of all sizes have embraced the cloud, captivated by its promise of unparalleled flexibility and reduced infrastructure management. Yet, a glaring paradox has surfaced: while hardware prices continue to fall, public cloud costs remain stubbornly high—or even rise. For enterprises and IT leaders grappling with tightening budgets, this disconnect has become difficult to ignore. Why, at a time when the cost of physical servers, storage, and networking equipment is declining sharply, are public cloud providers unwilling to pass those savings on to customers? The answer lies in a complex mix of economics, operational challenges, and provider strategies that underpin the pricing models of hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. This issue raises important questions about the sustainability of public cloud reliance and whether alternatives such as private clouds, colocation, or hybrid solutions deserve greater consideration. As cloud costs climb and businesses seek greater ROI, it’s time to reevaluate what drives these prices—and explore how enterprises can build more cost-effective IT infrastructures while maintaining flexibility and performance

Cloud certifications are valuable tools in today's IT landscape, but they come with important caveats. As the chief cloud strategy officer for Deloitte Consulting, I've seen how implementing innovative technologies helps clients operate more effectively. However, certifications should be viewed as part of a broader strategy. From my experience working with enterprises, certifications serve several purposes. They provide structured learning paths and validate basic competencies. However, they shouldn't be the only measure of expertise. What really matters is the ability to deal with complex pricing structures, handle unexpected technical challenges, and understand the broader implications of cloud implementations. Certifications are just one component of professional development, alongside practical experience and ongoing education. The reality is that while certifications can open doors, true cloud expertise comes from hands-on experience with multiple platforms and understanding the nuances of different cloud environments. When it comes to networking and cloud architecture, leaders need more than just information - they need practical experience and deep understanding of how to implement solutions.