Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional Practice

Vendor lock-in in cloud computing refers specifically to the scenario where a customer finds themselves unable to easily leave or transition to another service provider due to various constraints. These constraints can include proprietary technologies, complex migration processes, high switching costs, or unique service offerings that cannot be easily replicated by other providers. As a result, businesses may remain with a specific cloud vendor despite potential better options or lower costs elsewhere. This situation can create challenges for companies looking for flexibility, negotiation power, or the ability to innovate by switching platforms. In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not accurately capture the essence of vendor lock-in. For instance, the ability to migrate suggests freedom rather than the restrictions imposed by vendor lock-in. Customer loyalty programs relate to strategies for retention, but do not define a technical or operational dependency on a vendor. Similarly, guidelines for selecting providers don’t pertain to the concept of becoming locked into a particular vendor after selection.