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The way businesses use cloud services is shifting fast, with more teams now wanting flexibility, better value, and fewer limits. That’s why many are choosing a mix of platforms instead of relying on just one provider.
As demand for smarter cloud computing services grows, IT leaders are making big changes – and the latest data shows who’s adapting, what’s working, and what to avoid in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 89% of IT leaders say companies shouldn’t rely on just one cloud service provider.
- Only 27% of businesses feel confident managing the complexity of multi-cloud environments.
- 45% say vendor lock-in has slowed down their ability to adopt more flexible cloud computing solutions.
- Many companies are using cloud-agnostic tools and on-site setups to move more easily between providers.
- Google Cloud and Azure are seen as the most flexible cloud platforms to switch away from.
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Most IT Leaders Now Work With Multiple Cloud Service Providers
More companies are now using a mix of cloud service providers, and the reason is simple. IT leaders want flexibility, and they don’t want to be tied to one provider.
In fact, according to a survey conducted by HostingAdvice:
This shift has pushed many organizations toward multi-cloud setups. Instead of sticking to just the major players, IT teams are blending cloud computing companies (both well-known names and smaller, alternative providers) to build the right solution for their needs.
That mix often includes a variety of cloud computing platforms, each chosen for its own strengths.
Here’s what the data shows:
- 45.3% use two alternative cloud providers; anything that’s not AWS, Azure, Google, IBM, or Oracle
- 44.3% use two hyperscalers – the large, global cloud companies
- Around 20% work with three providers, combining different options based on their setup
- 8.1% use four or more alt clouds, while 12.2% use four or more hyperscalers
The numbers are nearly equal for alt cloud and hyperscaler adoption, showing that alternative cloud providers are just as trusted as the big names. This approach helps businesses match each task to the right tool, manage their costs, and stay more in control.
Why Multi-Cloud Isn’t Easy: Security & Complexity Issues
Choosing more than one cloud computing solution can give companies better control and flexibility, but it also makes things more complicated. One of the biggest challenges is keeping everything secure.
Based on the HostingAdvice survey:
- 72.6% of IT leaders said that multi-cloud setups make security harder to manage
- Only 27% said they’ve found ways to handle the complexity well
The problem is that every cloud computing service works differently. Even the most experienced teams can run into issues when trying to manage several platforms at once.
Each provider has its own:
- Security tools
- Configuration settings
- Access controls
When these systems don’t match up, it becomes harder to protect data across the board, with some areas ending up more exposed than others. This creates extra work for IT teams and increases the risk of something slipping through.
In short, multi-cloud opens doors, but without careful planning, those doors can also lead to problems. A well-managed IT cloud solution takes effort, but the long-term benefits are often worth it.
Vendor Lock-In Is Still Holding Some Companies Back
Many businesses want to work with more than one cloud computing provider, but some still feel stuck with the one they already have.
This is known as vendor lock-in, and it’s a real issue for companies trying to move toward a more flexible setup.
Based on the HostingAdvice survey:
- 45% of IT leaders said that vendor lock-in slowed or stopped their plans to diversify
- 55% said they haven’t had any problems moving between providers
So while almost half of the respondents are struggling, the other half have found ways to move forward. That’s a good sign; it means vendor lock-in doesn’t have to be a permanent obstacle.
There are a few reasons companies get locked in: some are tied to long contracts, others rely on tools that don’t work well outside their current setup. These limits make it harder to try new platforms or switch to other cloud-managed service providers.
Still, more teams are learning how to avoid getting stuck. They’re looking at more flexible contracts, using systems that are easier to migrate, and finding ways to build in more choice.
How Companies Are Breaking Out of Vendor Lock-in
More businesses are starting to rethink how they use cloud computing service providers. They’re finding practical ways to avoid vendor lock-in and build setups that give them more choice and flexibility.
The HostingAdvice survey shows some clear strategies that are working:
- Keep some workloads on-site: 60.5% said this gives them more control over key systems
- Use cloud-agnostic tools: 53.8% worked with platforms that aren’t tied to a single provider
- Negotiate contract terms: 50.9% asked for better portability when signing with providers
- Add middleware or abstraction layers: 41.8% used extra software to help systems run across different platforms
- Use containers like Docker and Kubernetes: 37.9% relied on these to move apps more easily
These steps give companies more breathing room. Instead of being locked into one provider, they can shift between cloud services as their needs change.
For example, a company might choose to run its internal tools in-house while using public cloud space for customer-facing services.
Others set things up using open-source tools that can work across multiple platforms. These changes might take a bit of work upfront, but they make things a lot more flexible in the long run.
Which Cloud Service Providers Are the Easiest to Leave?
When companies choose a cloud service, they don’t only think about features or pricing – they also want to know how hard it will be to leave if their needs change later. Some cloud providers make that process easier than others.
In the HostingAdvice survey, IT leaders were asked to rate major cloud computing platforms based on how flexible they are when it comes to switching.
A score of 1 means the provider is very flexible, and 5 means it’s more difficult to leave.
Based on this, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure were considered the easiest to move away from. These platforms are seen as more open, which helps businesses migrate their systems without too much hassle.
On the other hand, Oracle and IBM Cloud were ranked as the least flexible. Their systems may be harder to transfer, or their contracts may include more restrictions.
Confidence Is Growing When Negotiating Cloud Contracts
As more companies work with different cloud service providers, IT leaders are feeling more confident when it comes to signing contracts. Many now know what to ask for and how to get better terms.
The HostingAdvice survey shows:
- 42% felt “very comfortable” negotiating their cloud deals
- 39% felt “somewhat comfortable”
- Only 6.19% felt “very uncomfortable”
These numbers show a clear shift; IT leaders are becoming more experienced with cloud contracts. They’re no longer just accepting what’s offered – they’re asking for flexibility, better pricing, and terms that suit their setup.
This confidence is helping businesses build smarter systems across different cloud platforms. When leaders understand the details of a contract, they’re more likely to avoid vendor lock-in and choose services that support their goals.
The Bottom Line
More businesses are choosing flexible setups that work for them. Using a mix of cloud service providers helps reduce risk and gives teams more control, but it also means planning ahead.
With the right approach, companies can avoid getting stuck and choose tools that match their needs. A strong IT cloud solution makes it easier to grow, adapt, and stay on track in a fast-moving space.
