Cloud strategy revisited: why control is becoming increasingly important

From Cloud First to Data First

For years, the cloud was seen as the starting point for digital transformation. Many organizations adopted a "cloud-first" strategy, moving as many new applications and workloads to the cloud as possible. The choice of cloud platform was often the central focus.

At Fundaments, we have taken a different view for some time. We believe that data, not the cloud, should be the starting point. That is why we have been advocating for a data-first approach for years. The central question should not be "Which cloud do we choose?" but rather:

• Where is our data located?

• Which laws and regulations apply?

• How mission-critical is this workload?

• What are our requirements for performance, availability, and control?

Only once these questions are answered does a clear picture emerge of which cloud environment is the best fit. This could be a public cloud, but for mission-critical workloads, a Dutch private cloud often proves to be a better match for the desired level of control, predictability, and compliance.

It is notable that this perspective is gaining wider acceptance. Gartner describes how organizations are becoming more intentional about workload placement: determining for each application which environment—public cloud, private cloud, or on-premises—best aligns with functional, technical, financial, and compliance requirements.

This shifts the focus from a generic cloud-first strategy to a more thoughtful approach, where the most suitable platform is consciously selected for every individual workload.

We see this development reflected in the annual Flexera State of the Cloud Report. It shows that cost optimization, governance, and compliance are now among the most important drivers in shaping modern cloud strategies.

The question is no longer whether an organization uses the cloud, but which cloud environment best suits a specific workload. It is precisely this evaluation that is leading more and more organizations to re-examine their cloud strategy.

Why organizations are rethinking their cloud strategy

We often see the same themes recurring among organizations that are reassessing their cloud strategy.

Predictable costs

While the public cloud can be attractive due to its flexible pay-as-you-go model, organizations also find that costs become less predictable as environments grow. Additional storage, network traffic, or unexpected usage can lead to higher operational costs than initially anticipated.

Control over data

Organizations increasingly want to know exactly where their data is stored, who has access to systems, and which laws apply to their data. This has become a key component of cloud strategy, especially for organizations working with sensitive or business-critical information.

Compliance and regulations

New laws and regulations, such as NIS2 and the AI Act, are increasing the focus on digital resilience, governance, and responsible data management. This does not mean that organizations are required to choose a Dutch cloud, but it does mean they must be able to demonstrate how they manage risks with increasing clarity.

Performance and business-critical workloads

Not every workload benefits equally from the same cloud environment. Applications with high availability requirements, predictable performance needs, or specific compliance mandates often prove to be a better fit for a private cloud environment.

Digital sovereignty is becoming a board-level issue

While data sovereignty was primarily a technical topic a few years ago, we are seeing it appear on the board agenda more and more frequently.

In our blog In the news: why control over data is becoming a board-level issue again we already described how executives are increasingly asking pointed questions about digital dependency, data ownership, and the continuity of digital services. The discussion is therefore shifting away from technology alone and toward strategic decision-making.

For organizations in the public sector, healthcare, and professional services, digital autonomy also plays a significant role. They want to be able to innovate without being dependent on a single vendor or foreign jurisdiction.

As we previously described in Sovereign Cloud as the foundation for municipal digital transformation, a Dutch private cloud offers the opportunity to combine innovation, compliance, and data sovereignty.

What we see in practice

At Fundaments, we see that organizations rarely move away from a public cloud because it is "not good." More often, the need arises for an environment that is better suited to specific business-critical workloads.

Choosing a Dutch private cloud is therefore not always a replacement for the entire cloud strategy, but a deliberate supplement to it. Organizations choose to host the applications and data where control, compliance, predictable performance, and digital sovereignty are most critical.

We also see that organizations are increasingly rethinking their existing choices rationally. As we described earlier, a future-proof IT strategy is not about vendors, but about making choices that align with the organization's objectives.

The biggest hurdle is often the migration

Although more and more organizations see the benefits of a Dutch Private Cloud, the transition often proves to be the biggest challenge in practice.

After all, a migration requires time, specialist knowledge, and capacity. Organizations want to ensure the continuity of their services and minimize risks as much as possible. As a result, migrations are frequently postponed, even when the strategic decision has already been made.

In reality, however, a migration does not have to be a massive or risky project, provided it is carefully prepared and managed.

How Fundaments makes the transition easier

At Fundaments, we guide organizations in migrating workloads from platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud to our Dutch sovereign Private Cloud.

To make the transition easier, we are introducing the Sovereignty Accelerator this summer.

Organizations that opt for a multi-year partnership and migrate from a Public Cloud to the sovereign Cloud platform of Fundaments will receive complimentary migration support. We cover both the migration hours and the guidance provided by our specialists.

This allows organizations to transition in a controlled manner, without the migration becoming a financial barrier.

Ready for a Cloud strategy with more control?

Not every workload belongs in the same Cloud environment. By determining for each application which environment best matches the desired performance, compliance requirements, and level of control, you create a future-proof Cloud strategy where flexibility and digital sovereignty go hand in hand.

With the Sovereignty Accelerator, Fundaments helps organizations make the move to a Dutch Private Cloud safely, in a controlled manner, and without migration costs.

The Sovereignty Accelerator is one of four summer promotions from Fundaments. You can also take advantage of the Growth Accelerator, Innovation Accelerator, and Continuity Accelerator. Together, these promotions help organizations invest smarter in a future-proof Dutch Private Cloud.

Curious about which Cloud strategy best suits your organization? Our specialists are happy to think along with you.