For the last decade, the message was simple: “Go cloud-first.”
Public cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud promised lower costs, unlimited scalability, and freedom from on-prem headaches.

But 2025 is shaping up differently. Across Michigan from law firms in Detroit to accounting firms in Grand Rapids business leaders are rethinking what “the cloud” really means.

A new Private Cloud Outlook 2025 report shows a clear shift underway:

• 93% of organizations are now deliberately balancing public and private cloud

• 53% plan to make private cloud their top priority for new workloads in the next three years

• 73% are actively moving some workloads back from public to private — and a third have already done it

From IT Expense to Business Protection

So why the change? It comes down to three things:

1. Security and Compliance

92% of respondents say they trust private cloud more.
That’s no surprise especially for firms that handle client or patient data. Private cloud environments give you dedicated infrastructure, tighter access control, and better alignment with CIS, NIST, and HIPAA frameworks.

For Michigan law, accounting, and medical practices, that means fewer compliance headaches and happier insurance underwriters.

2. Cost Visibility and Predictability

Public cloud pricing can be tricky. Data egress fees, API calls, and unexpected usage spikes make budgeting difficult.
Private cloud offers more predictable, fixed costs a big deal for SMBs that value stability over surprises.

3. AI and Data Control

As more firms experiment with AI, 60% say they prefer private cloud for training and running models. It’s not just about performance it’s about keeping sensitive data inside your own environment.

The Hybrid Reality

Of course, no one platform does it all. The smartest approach is hybrid: using public cloud for scale and flexibility, and private cloud for control and compliance.

The challenge? Many SMBs struggle with siloed IT teams, skill gaps, and unclear strategies. In fact, 80% of companies say they’re relying on external partners to get their cloud environments right.

That’s where a Technology Success Partner like Big Water Tech comes in. We help Michigan businesses design, migrate, and manage the right mix of cloud platforms aligned to business outcomes, not just infrastructure trends.

Smarter Cloud, Smarter Business

The public cloud isn’t “bad,” and private cloud isn’t “old-school.” The real win comes from balance — putting each workload where it performs best.

If you’re ready to rethink your cloud strategy for 2025, our team can help you design a solution that keeps IT simple, secure, and scalable.

📞 Let’s talk about your cloud strategy. Schedule a discovery meeting to review your current setup and opportunities for optimization.