We’re always interested in learning what IT teams prioritize, how they overcome challenges and plan for the future. As part of our research, we survey IT professionals worldwide about their data centers each year and publish their responses in our annual Data Center & Infrastructure Report.
Here are several findings and trends related to IT infrastructure workloads.
Workload environment and distribution
On-prem data center
45%
Hosted private cloud
18%
Public cloud
17%
Colocation
15%
Other
5%
Infrastructure strategy is no longer about choosing between cloud and on-premises. Although it never really was that simple, the stakes are higher today, and the choices are more deliberate. In a business landscape of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), organizations are designing systems that do more than just run workloads; they’re building environments that can adapt.
The latest survey data reflects this shift. On-prem data centers still play a vital role, offering the control and compliance many sectors demand. But we’re seeing a clear move toward cloud-based models. Businesses are investing in a mix of hosted private cloud, public cloud and colocation services, a measured approach that balances innovation with risk, scale with governance.
Demand for private cloud services continues to rise as companies look for scalable infrastructure that doesn’t compromise reliability or security. At the same time, cloud management platforms have become essential for leaders managing hybrid and multicloud estates, offering control without complexity.
It’s no longer just about where the infrastructure is located; it’s about how effectively it moves, supports growth and adapts to changing conditions.
The 5% of environments classified as “Other” is also worth watching. This likely includes edge computing and emerging architectures, both of which are gaining traction as organizations move data processing closer to users and endpoints.
In short, demand reshapes infrastructure: systems must be flexible, stable and ready for whatever comes next.
Off-premises drivers
Disaster recovery/Business continuity
60%
Lower capital costs
41%
Improved security
40%
Application
36%
Consolidation
33%
Limited staffing capabilities
27%
Rapid capacity expansion
24%
Disaster recovery / Business continuity: 60%
The primary driver for moving workloads off-premises is ensuring robust disaster recovery and business continuity. Organizations are increasingly prioritizing the need to safeguard their operations when disruptions and attacks eventually occur. By leveraging cloud solutions, companies can achieve higher redundancy and recovery capabilities crucial for maintaining seamless business operations.
Lower capital costs: 41%
The shift towards cloud computing is also driven by the need to reduce capital expenditure. Moving workloads off-prem allows companies to transform their IT infrastructure costs from CapEx to OpEx. This financial flexibility is vital, especially in uncertain economic climates, enabling organizations to invest in innovation and growth rather than being tied down by heavy upfront infrastructure costs.
Improved security: 40%
The number and sophistication of cyber threats continue to increase. This third key driver is the quest for improved security. Cloud providers invest heavily in state-of-the-art security measures and protocols, often surpassing what companies can achieve independently. This enhanced security posture is a significant factor driving the migration to off-prem environments as organizations seek to protect their data and maintain customer trust.
These insights point to a strategic focus on resilience, cost-efficiency and security as the primary factors influencing the migration of workloads to cloud environments. This alignment with current market trends underscores the importance of adopting flexible, scalable and secure IT solutions to stay competitive and resilient in dynamic business landscapes.
Public cloud challenges
Predicting costs
55%
Internal staff skill set
45%
Complexity
42%
Migrating legacy equipment/applications
41%
Security
31%
Configuration options
22%
System performance
21%
Finding the right cloud partner
20%
Organizations’ challenges with public cloud solutions reflect the maturity of cloud adoption and the complexity of managing cloud environments at scale.
1. Predicting costs
One of the most significant concerns is the difficulty of accurately forecasting cloud costs. Organizations scaling their cloud usage find that the complexity of pricing models, usage fluctuations and unpredictable workloads can lead to cost overruns. Cloud financial management is becoming a priority for many organizations as they strive to optimize their spending while leveraging cloud resources.
2. Internal staff skill set
The rapid pace of cloud technology evolution has left many organizations facing limitations due to skill gaps. Internal teams may lack the specialized knowledge required to fully utilize cloud services, leading to inefficiencies and slower adoption of new capabilities. Businesses must upskill staff and find talent proficient in cloud technologies to maximize the value of their cloud investments.
3. Complexity
Managing the complexity of multicloud environments, integration with legacy systems and navigating the vast array of cloud services and configurations present significant hurdles. Organizations find it difficult to manage this complexity while ensuring smooth operations and consistent performance.
These challenges point to a need for better cloud cost management tools, investment in workforce training, and solutions that reduce the complexity of cloud operations. As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, addressing these issues will be critical for organizations to fully realize the benefits of the cloud while managing risks and costs effectively.
Read our 2025 Data Center & Infrastructure Report today for more survey results and expert insights.
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