For years, my work in technology felt like a niche interest – something complex and technical that didn’t seem to connect to the bigger picture of business. Times have changed. Technology isn’t just a tool; it’s the foundation of how businesses operate and grow. What once seemed like a specialized topic is now something every organization I work with has to think about.
When I first started advocating for cloud computing about 20 years ago, many businesses were skeptical. The idea of storing data and running operations on remote servers instead of their own hardware felt risky. People weren’t sure they could trust something they couldn’t physically see or touch. But even then, the potential was obvious. Cloud computing wasn’t just about saving money – it was about transforming businesses. It allowed companies of any size to scale quickly, cut costs, and be more agile, leveling the playing field between small startups and industry giants.
Over the years, I have worked with businesses to help them understand that the cloud is more than just an IT expense – it is a strategic advantage. My friend Joe Weinman even wrote the book Cloudonomics, which breaks down how cloud adoption isn’t just a technical decision but a financial one. His work confirmed what many of us already believed: when used correctly, the cloud isn’t just a way to save money – it drives real business growth.
One of the biggest challenges companies have faced is connecting their technology costs to actual business value. Early on, businesses moved to the cloud without a clear understanding of how their spending translated into results. That is where FinOps comes in. FinOps (short for “Financial Operations”) is all about ensuring companies get the most out of their cloud investments by making technology spending more transparent and accountable.
The latest State of FinOps report shows that companies are now laser-focused on managing their overall technology costs wisely. Traditional IT budgeting doesn’t work anymore because spending is dynamic and constantly changing. While cloud computing offers flexibility, it can also lead to wasted resources if not carefully managed. FinOps helps businesses shift their mindset – it is not just about cutting costs; it is about making smart investments that fuel growth and innovation.
What is exciting is how much tech has evolved. In the early days, discussions were all about saving money and improving efficiency. Now, it is about artificial intelligence, real-time analytics, and game-changing innovations. Tech is no longer just a tool – it is the backbone of modern business. But the core challenge remains: how do businesses ensure they are getting the most value from their investments?
One key takeaway from the State of FinOps report is that the biggest challenge isn’t necessarily the cost of the tech itself – it is knowing how to allocate that spending effectively across teams. Without visibility into expenses, businesses struggle to make informed decisions. That is why FinOps isn’t just for finance teams; it requires collaboration between engineers, finance leaders, and executives to make sure spending aligns with business goals.
Looking back, I can see how everything connects. My work in cloud advocacy was never just about pushing new technology – it was about helping businesses succeed. The rise of FinOps proves what we have always known: to fully benefit from digital investments, companies need both technological flexibility and financial intelligence.
The future will only get more complex. As technology advances, businesses will need to be even more intentional about how they manage costs and maximize value. The question isn’t whether investment is worth it – it is how businesses will adapt their financial and operational strategies to keep up.
For me, advocating for cloud computing has always been about more than just tech. It is about empowering businesses to innovate, compete, and thrive. Over the past two decades, I have seen startups disrupt industries, large companies become more agile, and entire business models change – all because of what technology makes possible. But with great power comes great responsibility. Now, the focus is on ensuring that every dollar spent on technology translates into real business impact.
The cloud isn’t new anymore – it is the foundation of modern business. But the journey doesn’t stop here. The next challenge is making sure we refine how we measure, manage, and optimize its impact. That is the opportunity ahead. And after 20 years in this space, I am certain: the best is yet to come.
