What is the defining characteristic of a “cloud-first” strategy?

The defining characteristic of a “cloud-first” strategy is prioritizing cloud services for new projects and IT solutions. This approach emphasizes leveraging cloud technologies as the primary option when developing or implementing IT solutions, rather than defaulting to traditional on-premises infrastructure.

Organizations adopting a cloud-first strategy typically aim to benefit from the scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness that cloud solutions offer. This mindset fosters innovation, as teams are encouraged to explore and utilize cloud capabilities, enabling faster deployment of applications and services while also facilitating a more agile IT environment.

The focus on new projects signifies a strategic shift; while existing legacy systems may still be in place, the direction for future initiatives is firmly towards the cloud. This allows organizations to modernize their IT landscapes progressively without being held back by outdated technologies or practices.