This means resisting the siren call of large, long-term, single-provider deals. Instead, look for strategies that leave room to maneuver. Multicloud architectures—using different cloud providers for different applications or workloads—allow you to choose the best services for each job. Shorter-term contracts or reserved instances can offer savings without locking you in for years. Also, keep a close eye on industry standards and vendor-neutral technologies such as Kubernetes, containers, or open APIs. These make it easier to move workloads or adopt new providers as your needs evolve.
Another advantage of a more flexible approach is that it fosters a culture of continuous optimization. Instead of making a choice once every few years and hoping for the best, your teams stay focused on constant improvement, always asking, “Could we do this faster, more securely, or more cost-effectively somewhere else?” Vendors know their business with you is never guaranteed, which makes them more likely to provide real value year after year, not just at renewal time.
It’s also worth thinking about the “unknown unknowns.” During periods of business growth, regulatory shifts, or unexpected events (mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, compliance requirements, or major market changes), the most successful organizations are those that can respond quickly. Being stuck with a long-term cloud deal, no matter how attractive it once seemed financially, can limit your options and put your business at risk.