A recent Leaseweb study reveals that 89% of companies would be unable to move key workloads from their primary cloud provider within three weeks, exposing widespread difficulties in overcoming vendor lock-in despite a strong perception of control among business leaders.
- 89% cannot migrate critical workloads from main cloud provider within three weeks
- 76% of C-suite leaders overestimate their control over cloud data mobility
- 79% anticipate AI adoption will worsen vendor lock-in challenges
What happened
Leaseweb’s new research surveyed 800 business executives and found that an overwhelming 89% of companies could not migrate critical workloads from their primary cloud provider within a three-week timeframe. Over half stated migration would take more than three months or might be impossible due to technical dependencies. Although 76% of C-level leaders felt they had high control over their ability to relocate data, the practical complexities of moving applications tailored to specific cloud infrastructures reveal a substantial gap between perception and reality.
The study also shows that the Netherlands faces the longest average migration period at nearly five months. Additionally, geopolitical factors are encouraging firms to reassess their cloud strategies; 78% of businesses have taken measures to reduce overreliance on particular providers. The U.S. demonstrates the highest proactive adjustments, with 91% of companies implementing steps to diversify their cloud dependencies.
Why it matters
Vendor lock-in remains a critical risk in cloud adoption, potentially hindering businesses' agility to adapt to sudden pricing changes, security breaches, or regulatory shifts. Despite efforts to promote interoperability, companies continue to face significant barriers when attempting to switch providers, which could lead to increased operational costs and reduced negotiating power.
Furthermore, ongoing AI integration is expected to heighten these concerns. Since AI tools often tie businesses more closely to specific cloud providers’ unique capabilities, 79% of executives predict this will exacerbate vendor lock-in problems. This growing reliance underscores the importance of understanding underlying dependencies and considering diversification strategies before circumstances force a risky or costly shift.
What to watch next
Going forward, businesses and cloud vendors will need to prioritize solutions that enhance interoperability and simplify migration processes to minimize captivity risks. Organizations should monitor advancements in cloud standards and cross-platform compatibility that could ease transitions between providers and reduce long-term lock-in effects.
Additionally, companies have shown willingness to invest a premium, averaging 16% more, for greater infrastructure control. Observers should watch how this market develops alongside geopolitical tensions and regulatory pressures, especially in Europe and the U.S., where digital sovereignty debates and strategic vendor diversification are intensifying. The evolving AI landscape will remain a major factor influencing cloud strategies and dependency risk management.