CloudFest 2025 Recap: Shifting cloud sentiments and emerging trends

And what a Fest it was :)

Martijn Wokke attended CloudFest this year and met many people eager to learn more about Cyso Cloud and our solutions to become GDPR compliant. An alternative for US services is desperately needed. On stage, there was also room for some numbers in a trend report. How do we feel about the cloud now?

Cloud sentiment: cautious optimism prevails

The CloudFest State of the Cloud Report 2024 revealed interesting shifts in how cloud professionals feel about the industry. Optimism remains, but with a more cautious outlook compared to 2023.

In 2023, a strong 86% of cloud experts agreed they felt optimistic about the future of cloud technology. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has dropped 13 points to 73%. Still a majority, but clearly showing growing uncertainty.

Similar trends appeared when asked if "cloud-based technology will continue to be vital to businesses worldwide." Agreement fell from 87% in 2023 to 77% in 2024.

Most telling was the drop in those who believe "the opportunities ahead for cloud technology outweigh the risks" - from 61% in 2023 to just 48% in 2024. That's a significant 13-point decline and shows we've reached a tipping point where many professionals now see risks as equal to or greater than opportunities.

The ‘Wait and See’ approach

What's causing this shift? Many cloud professionals have adopted a "wait and see" approach, especially around AI and cybersecurity concerns. Rather than open pessimism, there's growing neutrality as the industry grapples with rapid technological changes.

Security continues to be the primary concern, with 64% agreeing that "security is a definite risk moving forward" - up from 59% in 2023. No surprise there, but the increase shows the worry isn't going away.

AI: both opportunity and concern

AI dominated conversations both at CloudFest 2025 and in the 2024 report. A staggering 86% of respondents prioritize "exploring emerging technologies" like AI as a key business issue, up from 79% in 2023.

The majority (70%) acknowledge AI is here to stay and will play a major role in cloud computing for years to come. However, adoption remains cautious - only 27% feel confident about how to use AI in their business.

What's particularly interesting is how AI concerns are increasing alongside opportunities. In 2023, 38% of respondents connected AI with cybersecurity concerns. In 2024, that's jumped to 49% - an 11-point increase in just one year.

Shifting business focus: from global to local

One of the most notable trends from the report is the inward turn of cloud businesses. In 2023, understanding the global cloud marketplace was viewed as vital by many respondents. In 2024, there's less emphasis on global markets and more focus on strengthening internal operations, security, and business strategy.

This mirrors many conversations I had at CloudFest 2025, particularly around EU sovereignty and building stronger regional alternatives to hyperscalers. The push for GDPR-compliant solutions that keep data within Europe was stronger than ever.

Key priorities for cloud businesses in 2025

Based on both the report and my conversations at CloudFest, here are the top priorities for cloud businesses this year:

1. Security first: Protection against ever-evolving threats remains the top concern, with AI security now a growing focus area.

2. Strategic AI implementation: Moving beyond chatbots to find ways AI can truly transform operations and create competitive advantages.

3. Business strategy adaptation: Finding the right mix of service offerings in a rapidly changing market.

4. Hybrid cloud optimization: Particularly for MSPs and Corporate IT looking for the right balance between private and public cloud.

5. Regional sovereignty: Building solutions that meet increasingly strict compliance requirements, especially in Europe.

Ready to Explore EU-Compliant Cloud Solutions?

If you're looking for a GDPR-compliant cloud alternative that keeps your data within European borders, we'd love to help. Martijn from our team specializes in helping businesses navigate the complex requirements of data sovereignty and security. Whether you're concerned about AI integration, hybrid cloud options, or simply want to ensure your cloud infrastructure meets EU regulations, Martijn can walk you through how Cyso Cloud solutions address these challenges.

Contact Martijn directly to schedule a consultation. He'd be happy to discuss your specific needs and show you how our European cloud solutions can give you both compliance peace of mind and the performance you need.