Research
Cloud Computing Study
Insight into cloud computing trends among technology decision-makers, including usage and plans across multiple cloud services, investments, business drivers and shifting services and applications to the cloud.
Read the executive summary
of IT decision-makers agree that their organization has accelerated its migration to the cloud over the past 12 months
agree that their organization is defaulting to cloud-based services when upgrading or purchasing new technical capabilities
agree that cloud capabilities helped their organization achieve increased and sustainable revenue this past year
Key findings
Cloud investments that drive productivity
Improving employee productivity is the leading reason IT decision-makers are investing in cloud solutions, with 31% citing it as their top business objective, according to the Foundry Cloud Computing Study, 2025. For tech marketers, this is a clear signal: solutions that streamline workflows, reduce friction, and empower teams to work smarter are in high demand.
But productivity isn’t the only priority. Cloud buyers are also focused on accelerating AI and machine learning adoption, enhancing security and governance, and improving scalability. These objectives reflect a broader shift toward agility, innovation, and resilience. Whether it’s enabling faster development cycles or elevating customer support experiences, cloud investments are being driven by outcomes that directly impact business performance.
Cloud investment priorities: AI, business apps, and security
Cloud buyers are making bold moves and tech marketers should take note. AI and machine learning top the list, with 66% of IT decision-makers planning to invest in cloud-based AI services over the next 12 months. This signals a growing interest in intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and scalable innovation.
Close behind, 59% are prioritizing business applications that directly impact productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency. Cloud-based security also ranks high, reinforcing the need for solutions that protect data and ensure compliance in increasingly complex environments. Other key areas include analytics and BI, databases, and infrastructure, showing that cloud buyers are investing across the stack.
Cloud adoption is surging, but challenges are slowing momentum
Cloud adoption continues to accelerate, but IT decision-makers are facing real obstacles that tech marketers need to understand. 90% of ITDMs have encountered barriers to cloud adoption in the past year, with budget and cost control topping the list.
Security and compliance concerns, integration and migration issues, and performance reliability are also major hurdles. But the most pressing challenge is financial: cloud buyers are grappling with long-term cost concerns, limited visibility into cloud spend, and the complexity of managing multi-cloud environments. Many report that their current tools simply aren’t enough to control costs effectively.
To address these issues, organizations are turning to a mix of strategies—from cloud provider tools (44%) and cost optimization tactics (39%), to automation (37%) and FinOps practices (29%). Yet unpredictability remains a problem: 31% cite unpredictable costs, and 27% struggle with complex pricing models.
Related resources
Cloud Computing executive summary
Research report provides insight on cloud trends including business drivers, investments, and challenges.
Cloud purchase process infographic
Bringing together data from Foundry’s cloud and buyer’s journey research, this infographic shares insight into the specific cloud computing purchase process.
Cloud audience
Foundry attracts a substantial audience of cloud-focused IT decision-makers. This active audience plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of cloud technology.