In a 2021 IDC study that analyzed 446 businesses across the globe to measure the efficacy of migrating to the cloud versus modernizing existing mainframe systems and applications, the case for the latter won the day. The researchers found that, in many cases, re-platforming applications in the cloud is often riskier and more expensive than modernizing existing mainframe investments.

A more nuanced understanding of cloud economics has prompted many organizations to pursue a hybrid infrastructure strategy through “fit-for-purpose” analyses.

As the chief owners of the digital infrastructure that underpins all aspects of modern enterprises, IT leaders will play pivotal roles in the road to recovery, “seeking the next normal” while still performing their traditional roles. In a time of turbulence and uncertainty, CIOs and senior IT leaders must discern how IT will enable the future growth and success of their enterprise while ensuring its resilience.