The Open Cloud Era Is Reshaping Business Technology

A major shift is underway in the tech world, and it’s changing how companies use the cloud. The Open Cloud Era gives businesses the freedom to choose the best cloud services without being stuck with just one provider.

For years, many companies were locked into traditional cloud platforms that charged high fees, limited flexibility, and slowed down innovation. Now, businesses want more control. They want to store data with one provider, process it with another, and use advanced AI tools from a third—all without hidden costs or technical barriers.

Take the Philadelphia Eagles, for example. They switched to a cloud storage solution that worked better with their systems and cost only a fraction of what larger providers like AWS were charging.

This kind of flexibility is the foundation of the Open Cloud Era—a time when companies can choose the best tools for the job, stay on budget, and move faster.

Why the Traditional Cloud Model Is Breaking Down

Old cloud models rely on “walled gardens”—closed ecosystems that make it expensive to move data. One major issue is egress fees—charges for transferring data out of a provider’s system.

On average, it costs 9 cents per gigabyte to move data. For a company moving 50 terabytes a month, that adds up to over $50,000 a year—just to access their own information.

These unpredictable costs make companies think twice before shifting between platforms, keeping them tied to a single provider. Even when big names like AWS or Microsoft announce reduced egress fees, the fine print often limits the benefits to customers permanently leaving their platform, with strict conditions.

This model holds businesses back from making the best choices for their needs. It’s not just about money—it’s about the freedom to innovate, adapt, and scale. That’s why the Open Cloud Era is gaining momentum.

The Open Cloud Era: Designed for Innovation and Growth

The Open Cloud Era means being able to move data freely and use the best cloud services without restrictions. Cloud providers may argue that fees reflect infrastructure costs, but in many cases, egress charges go far beyond what it actually costs to move data.

This matters even more in areas like AI. As companies race to build smarter systems, they need the flexibility to combine top-tier storage, processing, and AI tools—something a single provider rarely offers.

In a truly open cloud setup, businesses can store their data where it makes sense, run models on high-performance hardware, and quickly adapt to changes in the tech landscape. Lock-in to a single cloud vendor can leave companies behind, especially when rapid advances in AI make flexibility essential.

Businesses Demand an Open Cloud Future

Customers aren’t waiting for big providers to catch up. According to a survey of over 400 tech decision-makers, more than half would rather choose a mix of best-in-class cloud services over sticking with a single hyperscaler.

The same way early doubts about cloud computing gave way to widespread adoption, the Open Cloud Era is set to become the new standard. Businesses want to break down barriers and stop paying extra just to use their own data.

In the Open Cloud Era, companies are no longer limited by their cloud provider’s offerings. Instead, they can build a custom cloud stack that fits their needs—without penalties, restrictions, or wasted spending.