Repatriating data and applications from the cloud 

Repatriation in cloud computing refers to returning data and programs from the cloud to a traditional company data centre or not relocating them at all. Why are we discussing repatriation? 

Since cloud computing became a reality in 2010, the cost of computing hardware such as storage and processors has dropped considerably. The cost of hard drive storage per GB fell from around $0.11 in 2009 to around $0.03 in 2017, with further decreases in recent years. 

The issue is that most of these hardware cost savings never made it onto your cloud subscription. Most public cloud computing expenses stayed steady as hardware costs decreased over time.  

Of course, the value of cloud computing far outweighs any hardware cost reductions. Today, you have little choice but to adopt cloud computing because it is where most innovation occurs. The cloud has the best security, governance, databases, and artificial intelligence exist in the Cloud, so organizations must be there as well to stay competitive.

 

However, not all applications and data repositories are well-suited to the public cloud.

Many businesses are evaluating more traditional choices for certain applications and data storage that are about to be relocated to the cloud, as well as those that have already migrated. If cost reduction is the primary motivator, then every firm should at least consider the more traditional solutions. 

Some apps and data are more cost-effective to run on traditional systems rather than in the cloud. This is true even after taking in account all additional expenses such as human labour, data centre space, power, physical security, and so on. 

A few years ago some software-as-a-service storage systems shifted from public cloud providers to their own data centres and hardware.

It made sense for them to return to their own hardware for tightening margins in a highly competitive market. Today, businesses must make the same considerations. For all application processing and data storage, public cloud platforms are not the most cost-effective option. Assume you have a vast storage requirement, such as petabytes of unstructured data. In such circumstances, cloud storage may be less cost-effective than more traditional options. Indeed, it is not uncommon for cloud-based choices to be twice as expensive for usage, even before considering migration costs. 

Applications should also be reviewed.

Those that follow a continuous pattern of static, predictable processing could be relocated back to enterprise-owned hardware from the public cloud. 

Those who have never liked using public clouds should not dismiss the cloud option entirely. 

Always prioritize cost-effectiveness for business.

Don’t make decisions based solely on industry trends and hype. Everything should be carefully considered, including the transition from a public cloud to an enterprise data centre. Better yet, avoid moving particular applications and data to public clouds if it is not beneficial to the business.