3 things to know about the cloud v. data center decision

Cloud computing has made a dramatic surge over the past five years, but issues such as compliance and data residency are also driving tech leaders to carefully consider their IT architecture. In the video above, we break down the three most important things you need to know about the cloud versus data center decision. For those who prefer reading to watching, you'll find the entire summary below.

And to explore more about this topic, check out the full ZDNet/TechRepublic special feature The Cloud v. Data Center Decision. You can also download the full report as a PDF ebook (free registration required).

1. The default has flipped

Up until a few years ago, companies had to make a strong case for why they wanted to use the cloud, and they often had to overcome fears about security and lack of control. Today, the script has flipped. Many IT leaders now have to justify why they want to run something on-premise, if there are comparable options in the public cloud. Plenty of companies ARE still choosing their own data center, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, but the context has completely changed.

2. Apps are cloud-first

When it comes to new applications for standard business functions, most enterprises are choosing go cloud-first. There's a very high bar to justify running something like email, CRM, or ERP on-premise. Launching custom applications or migrating legacy applications is a different story though.

3. Cloud isn't about cost

The initial perception of cloud was that companies were doing it to cut costs. However, today's cloud isn't as much about saving money. It's more about shifting to a modern architecture so you can take advantage of the latest technologies like containers and microservices. And, being in the cloud insures that your business will always have access to the next big leap in tech without a big infrastructure upgrade. In other words, it's about agility.

Again, to learn more about this topic, read our full special report "The Cloud v. Data Center Decision" and you can download them in one PDF on TechRepublic, available for free to registered users.

ZDNet Monday Morning Opener

The Monday Morning Opener is our opening salvo for the week in tech. Since we run a global site, this editorial publishes on Monday at 8:00am AEST in Sydney, Australia, which is 6:00pm Eastern Time on Sunday in the US. It is written by a member of ZDNet's global editorial board, which is comprised of our lead editors across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the US.

Previously on Monday Morning Opener:

• A VPN will not save you from government surveillance
• The death of the smartphone is closer than you think. Here's what comes next
• What do PCs, Samsung's Galaxy 8 and Toyota's concept vehicle have in common? Notable design
• Convergence returns as former players exit
• Why it's time to cash a ticket to the DevOps revolution
• Samsung Galaxy S8: Six big questions - and answers
• After liftoff, Samsung's Galaxy S8 will face many unknowns
• CIA WikiDump re-enforces old security mantras
• Why Raspberry Pi is the future of computing devices
• Windows wins the desktop, but Linux takes the world
• Proper fibre broadband is not a waste, but you need a little socialism to do it properly
• Fiber broadband: Is it a waste with 5G and Elon Musk's satellites on the horizon?
• The biggest barrier to Windows 10 success is still Windows 7