Vendor lock-in - is it a problem?

When considering cloud-native technologies, one of the most common concerns of technology leaders is ‘vendor lock-in’.

In the world of cloud, vendor lock-in typically means building a product or a SaaS application using cloud-native technologies that are only available on a certain cloud provider.

My take on this is brutally simple: stick with a big-3 cloud provider, and vendor lock-in is unlikely to be an issue for you.

Here’s why:

Widespread Adoption

The major cloud providers - AWS, Azure and GCP - serve a vast customer base, which means that the technologies they offer are widely adopted. This broad adoption creates a competitive environment where these providers strive to meet customer demands effectively.

Competitive Pricing

Competition between the major cloud providers is fierce. To attract and retain customers, these providers regularly reduce prices, offer discounts, and introduce cost optimisation tools. As a result, you're less likely to experience dramatic cost increases if you're using one of the big-3 providers.

Commitment to Compatibility

To avoid alienating their large user bases, major cloud providers are committed to maintaining compatibility with existing technologies. They strive to provide backward compatibility for their services, reducing the risk of technology deprecation.

Ecosystem and Community

Big-3 cloud providers have thriving ecosystems and communities. This means you can access a wealth of resources, including third-party tools, libraries, and community support, which can make migration or transitioning to alternative technologies more manageable if needed.

Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Options

Major cloud providers recognise the importance of avoiding lock-in, and they offer solutions for hybrid and multi-cloud deployments. This enables you to diversify your cloud strategy without completely severing ties with your primary provider.

While vendor lock-in remains a legitimate concern in cloud computing, it may not be as problematic when opting for a major cloud provider like AWS, Azure, or GCP. You should still approach your cloud architecture and strategy with careful consideration. Evaluate your specific business needs, objectives, and long-term plans. Maintain a level of cloud-agnosticism by adhering to industry standards and best practices. By doing so, you can harness the advantages of the cloud while minimising the risks associated with vendor lock-in, regardless of your chosen provider.