You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereFortnites foray into the music industry has been nothing short of amazing, introducing the worlds most recognized singers like Travis Scott and Ariana Grande whose virtual concerts drew millions of fans to the game. These collaborations have resulted in not only exclusive skins and emotes, but also in-game events, leaving players eagerly anticipating each new musical experience.These events not only increased player involvement but also skyrocketed Fortnites popularity in unexpected ways. Looking ahead, there are hints of a potential collaboration with Chappell Roan who is rumored to be joining Fortnite, promising to bring new excitement to the game.Fortnite x Chappell Roan collab leaks and cosmeticsSeveral Fortnite leaks and rumors have hinted that the next big musical artist collaboration in the game will take place with popular singer Chappell Roan and will bring an emote tied to one of her popular songs Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan BBC interview snapshot about Fortnite. Image credit BBC.The collab was teased by the singer herself in a recent interview with BBC Radio One where she shared she wants her own Fortnite skin and teased a Good Luck, Babe! emote coming soon to the game. Furthermore, she added, I dont know if its out yet but I think good luck, babe! is also gonna be a little dance on there.Chappell Roan also mentioned that she played Fortnite on her Nintendo Switch device and also bought the Ariana Grande skin when it came out. At the same time, other leakers have also confirmed at the Chappell Roan emote, but theres been no news or rumors around the skin unfortunately.To those unaware, Chappell Roan is an American singer-songwriter whose lively pop music incorporates 80s synth-pop and a drag-inspired image. She rose to prominence through her YouTube covers before signing with Atlantic Records. Following a brief spell and subsequent departure from Atlantic, Roan returned with her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which had her hit single like Good Luck, Babe!.While you wait for Chappell Roan to arrive in Fortnite, another much-awaited crossover with XXXTentacion is also on the way. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerRelated TopicsFortnite Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Good RiddanceEA is killing its Origin PC app soon, so it's a shame the EA app that replaced it isn't that much betterEA is officially shutting down the old and creaky Origin PC app because it runs on such old code Windows no longer supports it.Image credit: EA News by Sherif Saed Contributing Editor Published on Jan. 21, 2025 Origin, the original PC app for publisher EA, will be ceasing operations on April 17, 2025. Origin was EAs first foray into creating its own PC store, back when it was common for major publishers to ditch Steam in order to avoid paying a 30% cut to Valve.Origin, of course, was later replaced with the EA app, but because of its lack of features compared to Origin, many kept using it in place of the EA app. Those people will soon be forced to switch.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. EA announced Origins shutdown this week. The decision is the result of Microsoft ending support for 32-bit software on Windows. Origin does not run on 64-bit code - but its replacement, the EA app, does.EA is asking players who still use Origin to migrate to the EA app before Origin is gone forever, and this goes for anyone on Windows 10 as well as Windows 11. If you're on Mac, refer to this support article for more. In theory, all the games you own should transfer over. The same is true for games you currently have installed, too.The only - official - winkle here is cloud saves. If some of your games dont support the feature, youre going to have to migrate those saves manually. Anyone who did the Origin-to-EA app transition in the last couple of years, however, will tell you that some games may not make the jump, and its very common for existing installs not to be recognised by the new app.The best way to do this is install the EA app on top of Origin, essentially letting the installer upgrade Origin into the EA app. This should save you from having to redownload games. In some cases, restarting the app a couple of times may be required for some of your games to show up, so don't immediately panic if you see something missing.No matter what you do, however, its always best to create a backup of your game saves - just in case.Origin originally launched in 2011. It remained the only place to play EA games on PC for nearly a decade, until the publisher decided to return to Steam. By that point, EA was gearing up to replace it with the better-looking - but worse-performing - EA app in 2022.

Just Like ThatGood news, US-based Marvel Snap fans, the card game is back online, and its developer has a slightly surprising plan to make sure it doesn't go down again"Well continue to update with more information as soon as possible!" News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 21, 2025 After a surprise ban in the US, Second Dinner has confirmed that Marvel Snap is up and running again, but it's also planning some changes.It's been a bit of a whirlwind weekend for apps getting banned and unbanned! This Sunday just gone, January 19, TikTok was banned in the US for absolutely silly reasons, but awkwardly, it came back in less than a day. One surprising effect of the ban, though, was that Marvel Snap was also hit with a ban in the US. That's because the game is published by Nuverse, which is in turn owned by ByteDance, the same company that owns TikTok. It came as a surprise to developer Second Dinner, who seemingly had no idea the ban would affect Marvel Snap too, which is why there was no prior announcement. Luckily, as confirmed on Second Dinner's Twitter account, the game is back and available to play in the US again, but the developer is now planning to find a new publisher.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "Marvel Snap is back online in the US," Second Dinner wrote. "But to make sure this NEVER happens again, were working to bring more services in-house and partner with a new publisher. This is the start of a new era for Marvel Snap. We know this probably leaves you with even more questions than answers. We appreciate your patience, but in the meantime enjoy playing Marvel Snap. Well continue to update with more information as soon as possible!" Changes like that obviously take a lot of time, so don't expect a new publisher to be ready and waiting next week. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Some players have expressed that they're still having problems, like making in-app purchases, and being unable to download it from the iOS App Store, but according to Second Dinner it's still working on fixing these issues - the PC version of the game seems to be working fine, though. What a mess! Maybe let's not ban an entire social media app without thinking about it a bit more next time, 'ey?

Switch 2 release when?It looks like Capcom is potentially gearing up to release native versions of a bunch of Resident Evil titles for Microsoft and Sony's current generation systems.With the Switch 2 just around the corner, there's a real possibility these titles could show up (again) on Nintendo's next-generation hybrid hardware.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Spectrum and Verizon are the primary internet providers in Ithaca. If they dont meet your download and upload needs, look at alternates like T-Mobiles fixed wireless internet.

Next Level Racing GTTrack Simulator Cockpit Best racing sim cockpit overall $900 at Amazon Playseat Challenge Sim Racing Seat Best affordable racing sim cockpit $199 at Amazon Next Level Racing Wheel Stand Racer & Wheel Stand Lite Best cheap racing sim cockpit $140 at Amazon OpenWheeler GEN3 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit Best racing sim cockpit overall runner-up $399 at Amazon Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit Best racing sim cockpit for hardcore formula racing fans $500 at Best Buy CXC Motion Pro II Racing Simulator Best home motion control sim racing cockpit if money is no object $75,000 at CXC Simulations Next Level Racing Motion Platform v3 (Update: Currently unavailable) Best entry-level motion control sim racing cockpit $3,500 at Amazon There's nothing quite like being in a racing car setup. But if you're more of a fan of racing games -- it's far less dangerous, after all -- and still want to experience what it's like to tear down the track in your favorite car, why not get a sim racing cockpit? After all, you deserve it. While you can get by on a basic wheel and pedal setup, it fails to provide the atmosphere and sensation of an actual racing cockpit. A sim racing cockpit is a serious improvement over a basic wheel and pedal setup, making you feel like you're tearing down the track. A sim racing cockpit isn't just a way to make you look cool and authentic; it also helps provide a stable environment for you to experience what it feels like to race. It provides a stable platform while giving you the experience of constant steering and pedal pressing to maintain control of your vehicle. A well-designed sim racing seat setup enhances ergonomics and control placement, ensuring the wheel and pedals are positioned naturally for improved power. If you like the way that sounds, maybe you'd like gift a cockpit to one of the sim racers in your life.We've compiled a list of the best sim racing seats and home racing cockpits for various budgets and spaces. We've also included motion control rigs, which enhance force feedback by allowing drivers to feel cornering, acceleration, and braking through the seat. Next Level Racing For close to $1,000, GTTrack isn't cheap, but it's a solid and upgradable platform for sim racing. The sim racer rig starts with a beefy frame that can support the most powerful direct-drive force feedback racing wheels while standing up to strong pedal pressure. The seat is supportive and comfortable which is good for extended lapping sessions. Roadshow's Editor-in-Chief, Tim Stevens, has recommended this sim racing setup before and uses one in his iRacing setup.The GTtrack racing simulator cockpit is adjustable for a wide range of body types, compact enough for most homes and is compatible with Next Level's ecosystem of motion control electronics. Playseat Besides being significantly less expensive than a full racing rig like the GTtrack, the Playseat Challenge's best feature is how it quickly folds into an extremely compact package for storage in a closet, corner or under a bed. The foldable racing simulator cockpit design comes with a few compromises but ultimately makes the Challenge one of the most ideal simulator cockpits for casual and serious racers in small apartments, bedroom setups and shared spaces.There are adjustments for the wheel, pedal and seat placement, but no gear shifter mount. (If you must have a shifter box, consider the Next Level Racing GT Lite.) Getting in and out of the racing simulator seat can be a touch awkward, especially for kids. The racing simulator frame is strong enough for most console racing wheels and the fold-out pedal mount keeps the foot controls surprisingly planted during use. I personally use the Playseat Challenge sim rig in my small San Francisco Bay Area apartment. $199 at Amazon Next Level Racing The Next Level Racing Wheel Stand provides a firm platform for mounting a racing wheel, pedal box and even a shift lever. The Wheel Stand is meant to be a starting point around which you can upgrade, adding a seat and more as you go. Unfortunately, that means that it doesn't come with a real racing seat in the box, and the racing simulator ergonomics of a couch or rolling office chair aren't the best.The low entry point price makes this a good option for casual racers who want to get away from just clamping onto a coffee table or desk. OpenWheeler If you don't have the space (or the bucks) for a full GTrack cockpit, but don't need the foldability of the Playseat Challenge, the OpenWheeler GEN3 sim racing rig sits nicely in the Goldilocks zone between the two. This sturdy racing seat and frame combo accommodates mounting a wheel, pedal set and shifter and is very adjustable for a wide range of body types. The racing seat is also quite comfortable.When not in racing simulation use, the OpenWheeler can collapse a bit. Fans of flight sims can also purchase optional mounts to quickly convert the rig to a HOTAS setup, complete with a perfectly centered flight stick. $399 at Amazon Next Level Racing Offering the excellent build quality of the GTtrack at a more affordable price point, the Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit has an extra trick up its sleeve that makes it an ideal choice for F1 racing fans. The dual-position seat and pedal box can be configured in the traditional, upright GT passenger car seating position or transformed for a low-slung, high-pedal position for a Formula Sim racing experience.Like the GTTrack racing simulator, the F-GT is a flexible and upgradeable platform that can support the addition of display mounts, extra hardware and even a conversion kit for flight sim setups. Unfortunately, the F-GT is not compatible with the Motion Platform V3 kit, which shouldn't matter too much to buyers on a budget. CXC Simulations If price is not a factor and you want the best home racing experience short of building a track in your backyard, look no further than the CXC Motion Pro II. This is a full turn-key sim racing rig complete with a large monitor, racing seat with motion control force feedback, an immersive audio system, direct-drive steering wheel and pedal box. Just add a gaming PC or console and you're ready to rock. This is the most immersive (and most expensive) sim racing rig that I've ever tested that could conceivably fit in a game room or garage.Starting at $69K for the standard setup, the Motion Pro II can be further upgraded with flight sim controls, a 3-head ultrawide display or a VR headset. There are myriad steering wheel options to choose from and even an option for a real FIA-certified racing bucket from Cobra. Checking all of the boxes pushes the price just over the six-figure mark, at which point, maybe just consider taking your actual car for a cruise more often. $75,000 at CXC Simulations Next Level Racing The Motion Platform V3 is an add-on for the Next Level Racing GTtrack rig at the top of our best racing simulator cockpit list, providing an easy and relatively inexpensive entry point into the world of motion-controlled sim racing. The Motion Platform adds 2-axis force feedback to the racing seat allowing drivers to feel the G-forces of every corner, braking point and application of throttle. You'd be amazed how much this extra level of immersion and feel can improve your sim racing performance. The hardware is compact -- adding nothing to the GTtrack's footprint -- fairly quiet and easily configurable with the included software. Just make sure your favorite racing sim is compatible, most of the big ones for PC are, but console racing is not. $3,500 at Amazon Comparison of the best sim racing cockpit for 2024 Racing simulator cockpitPriceBest racing sim cockpit overall Next Level Racing GTtrack Simulator Cockpit$900Best affordable racing sim cockpit Playseat Challenge Sim Racing Seat$199Best cheap racing sim cockpit Next Level Racing Wheel Stand Racer & Wheel Stand Lite$140Best racing sim cockpit overall runner-up OpenWheeler GEN3 Racing Wheel Stand Cockpit$399 Best racing sim cockpit for hardcore formula racing fans Next Level Racing F-GT Simulator Cockpit$499 Best entry-level motion control sim racing cockpit Next Level Racing Motion Platform v3$3,500Best home motion control sim racing cockpit if money is no object CXC Motion Pro II Racing Simulator$75,000 Racing simulator seat and cockpit benefitsMost casual racing wheel and pedal combos for consoles or PC come with hardware that allows them to be clipped to the edge of a table or desk, which is fine for casual racers. Gaming wheels with strong force feedback -- including the strongest direct drive sim racing wheels -- may need a sturdier platform than your Ikea desk can provide. A sim racing cockpit provides that strong base, allowing you to feel the full feedback of the wheel and crank away without fear of flipping your coffee table.Your desk may indeed be hefty enough to hold up to your Logitech G93, but the most overlooked benefit of a good sim racing cockpit is providing a stable base for the pedal box. Racers apply a lot of pressure to the accelerator, clutch and especially the brake pedal and without a strong base, that box can start to slide during intense lapping sessions -- hurting your performance and times while you struggle with ever-shifting ergonomics. Unlike an office chair on casters, a good cockpit also connects the seat to the pedal box, so that you don't go sliding away every time you brake.Things to look for in a sim racing seat/cockpitThe most important things to look for in a sim racing cockpit are strength, adjustability and comfort.If you're looking at a racing cockpit, odds are good that you've invested in a racing wheel with force feedback. The stronger the wheel, the stronger the frame you'll need to allow the wheel to provide the best feedback and give you the best control. A $1,200 Fanatec Podium with direct drive feedback needs a beefy base like the Next Level GTtrack. With a weaker wheel like the Logitech G920 for Xbox or the Playstation-compatible G29, a lighter stand like the OpenWheeler Gen3 will do and is a better match for the budget. Whatever you do, don't skimp on the pedal box; you're going to be stomping on this bit, so it needs to be strong. Unless you plan on adding motion control to your rig, it's more important that your seat be comfortable and sturdy than deeply bolstered. Next Level RacingLike real-life driving, ergonomics are a big deal. Being able to comfortably reach the pedals and easily control the wheel can make the difference between the pole position and the back of the pack. Since you're likely a different size from me, I've only recommended cockpits and seats with a good level of adjustability. If you share your sim rig with other members of your family, being easily adjustable is another good get.Most home sim racing rigs don't move, so the seat doesn't need to hold you in place while cornering. Deep bolsters are nice to have and can feel more immersive, but aren't strictly necessary unless you're also diving deep into motion control. Look for a seat that's comfortable for longer sessions, supportive enough for steering and pedal pressin' and easy to get into and out. If you live in a small or shared space, consider a foldable cockpit like the Playseat Challenge or the Next Level Racing GT Lite, which can be easily stored in a closet when not in use. Racing in a small or shared space? Consider a racing seat that quickly folds away when not in use. PlayseatWhat's the deal with motion control sim racing?A good gaming wheel will provide force feedback that simulates the weight of a real steering wheel and the feel of the tires struggling for grip. They can't duplicate the seat-of-the-pants feeling of the rest of the car's inertia and weight transfer. For that, you'll need to dive into the immersive and expensive world of motion control.The single most expensive and immersive simulator I've personally used is Volvo's 3 million euro chassis simulator, a massive room-sized simulator with 5-axis control of an actual vehicle chassis suspended in front of a wrap-around display -- you take a retractable gangway to get in or out -- but good luck getting that thing out of the Gothenburg R&D facility.The most basic motion control system I recommend is the Next Level Motion Platform V3, an add-on to the GTtrack racing simulator cockpit that mounts between the seat and the rest of the chassis. When playing compatible racing sims, the Motion Platform can tilt the seat forward and back, and from side to side to simulate the G-forces experienced when a car brakes, accelerates and corners. A sim racing cockpit can be as simple as a wheel stand and your couch or as complex as this VR and motion-enabled CXC Simulations rig. Antuan Goodwin/RoadshowThis $3,000 add-on for an $800 racing sim rig is painfully expensive, but it can be further upgraded with Next Level's $6,000 Traction Plus platform, which adds yaw motion to the system allowing drivers to feel the rotation of a vehicle during a drift or the lack-thereof when understeering. There's also an optional Buttkicker haptic add-on that lets players feel the rumble of the road and engine through the seat.Just like in a real car, being able to feel how the car is reacting to your inputs and the surface of the road is not only enjoyable but is also a great tool for improving your driving performance. Going all-in on a Next Level motion control racing setup can push upwards of $10 grand when you include the cost of your wheel and pedal box. Compared to our "price is no object" pick -- the CXC Motion Pro II that starts at $63K and can crest the six-figure mark when fully kitted out -- or breaking into an automaker's headquarters, that seems like a bargain.Sim racing cockpit FAQs What is a sim racing cockpit? A racing sim cockpit supports your steering wheel and pedals in an ergonomic position while you digitally drive in a racing sim or game. It can be as simple as a wheel stand plopped in front of your couch, but a good setup also includes a seat that physically connects you to the wheel and pedals in a driving position familiar to a real car with increased stability for force-feedback. What makes a good sim racing cockpit? A good racing cockpit should be sturdy enough to support you and your wheel and pedal combo. This is particularly important with force-feedback wheels and high-quality pedal boxes, which transmit loads of torque and foot pressure upon their mounting points. You'll also want to make sure that the ergonomics work well for your body type. Is a sim racing seat worth it? If you're serious about sim racing -- and especially if you're looking to supplement or transition to real-world racing -- then a sim racing cockpit is definitely worth it. A good racing rig may not be worth the investment for more casual players interested primarily in arcade racers. What budget should I set for a good racing simulator? The budget of your racing simulator depends on how powerful/expensive your wheel and pedal combo is, how much physical space you can dedicate to sim racing and how seriously you take your sim racing. Running a $300 Logitech setup for casual arcade racing in a small apartment? A $200 folding rig is probably best. Do you have an $800+ Fanatec direct drive setup that you use for weekly iRacing? Spending a similar amount to lock that powerful wheel down is a worthwhile investment. What is haptic feedback in sim racing? Haptic feedback adds a physical feel to your gaming or race simulation. The most basic level is force feedback through the steering wheel -- although even this "basic" level can get very complex once you delve in. For the rest of your racing simulation rig, haptic feedback can range from a seat rumbling subwoofer/motor to motion control systems that tilt and slide the seat, mimicking the G-forces you'd experience in a real moving car.

Marvel Snap team seeking new publisher as game returns online following unexpected US ban alongside TikTok"We know this probably leaves you with even more questions than answers."Image credit: Second Dinner News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on Jan. 21, 2025 Marvel Snap is back online, following its unexpected ban in the US.Over the weekend, the digital collectible card game was banned in the US alongside TikTok, due to its publisher Nuverse being owned by TikTok owner ByteDance.At this time, developer Second Dinner said the ban was every bit as much a "surprise" to the Marvel Snap team as it was to players, too. It went on to state it would do everything it could to get the game back up and running as quickly as possible. Second Dinner has now achieved this, and Marvel Snap is back online in the US.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. What Does the New Nintendo Switch 2 JoyCon Button Do? The Internet's WILDEST Theories. Watch on YouTubeThe developer is now "working to bring more services in-house and partner with a new publisher" to ensure this kind of surprise ban does not happen again.Calling this move the "start of a new era" for the card game, the Marvel Snap team acknowledged players may have "more questions than answers". However, it assured its followers on social media that it would keep them updated with more details on the matter "as soon as possible".There are still some remaining issues following Marvel Snap's suspension. Replying to users on X, Second Dinner said it is still working on restoring the game's App Store availability, adding this "may take some time".It additionally noted "in-app purchases remain unavailable but the team is working on it". In the meantime, it said web shop purchases are all in working order, so players can go there for now. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Following its release, Marvel Snap won itself scores of fans, including many on the Eurogamer team. It was soon nominated for a number of awards and prestigious events including the BAFTAs.Our Donlan was especially taken with Marvel Snap on its debut, praising the game for giving him some welcome moments to pause and reflect."Whenever I lose a game - and I lose all the time - I get to spend a pleasant few moments working out what went wrong, picking over my deck, and swapping cards in and out. There's a reward for being bad at the game. How kind," he wrote in his feature: Games of 2022: Marvel Snap offered the best moments of reflection.

Donkey Kong's new look in Switch 2 Mario Kart approved by former Rare artist"Change is good!"Image credit: Nintendo / Eurogamer News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on Jan. 21, 2025 Former Rare artist Kevin Bayliss has responded to Donkey Kong's redesign seen in the Mario Kart segment of the Switch 2 announcement.As fans quickly spotted, the gorilla has received a bit of a redesign for the next karting game. He now looks closer to his film design and the retro design by Shigehisa Nakaue, with a cuter looking face.Bayliss, who redesigned Donkey Kong for the SNES game Donkey Kong Country, responded to a fan video spoofing the new look.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 have been revealed - but questions remain.Watch on YouTube"You can take the KONG out of the Country, but you can't take the Country out of the Kong! (I love it - this is really funny! - Everything changes! - Change is good!)," wrote Bayliss.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.While Donkey Kong is the most obvious example, look closer and all the characters in the Mario Kart clip have a softer, more cartoonish look.Nintendo similarly redesigned Princess Peach in the box art for Princess Peach: Showtime! to be aligned with the film.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Nintendo announced the Switch 2 last week with a short first-look trailer of the console's redesign.It was shown along with a clip of a new Mario Kart game, which fans have been scouring for clues. One theory is the addition of fuel tanks to shake up gameplay.

CW+ Premium Content/Computer WeeklyThank you for joining!Access your Pro+ Content below.21 January 2025Will the UK become an AI powerhouse?In this weeks Computer Weekly, we analyse the UK governments new AI strategy and ask if the ambitious plans are achievable. The latest EU regulation affecting cyber security, called DORA, will affect digital resilience plans for many businesses we examine the implications. We also look at the benefits and technologies behind cloud data lakes. Read the issue now.Access this CW+ Content for Free!Already a member? Login hereFeaturesin this issueCan UK government achieve ambition to become AI powerhouse?byCliff SaranThe artificial intelligence opportunities action plan has been largely well received, but there are plenty of questions about how it will be achievedA guide to DORA compliancebyCliff SaranWe look at the new EU regulation for cyber resiliency, the role of IT asset management in auditing and third-party risksView Computer Weekly ArchivesNext IssueMore CW+ ContentView All

PM Images/Getty ImagesThe cloud has dominated enterprise technology provision for a decade or more. Public cloud services, with huge capacity, commitments to security, and assurances that the latest and greatest technologies are running underneath, offer a compelling value proposition. In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), capacity is critical. However, a new survey suggests evidence of a movement away from public provision.Close to seven in 10 companies (69%) have moved at least some apps off the cloud and back to on-premise systems or private clouds, thesurveyof 1,420 IT executives from Rackspace finds. Reasons given for this retrenchment back to on-premise environments include data security and compliance concerns, cited by 50%, better integration with existing on-premise systems, mentioned by 48%, and cost savings and budget constraints, cited by 44%.Also: The best email hosting services: Expert testedIndustry experts and business leaders also recognized a reconsideration of the value of public clouds. For one, the rising costs of cloud subscriptions -- with accompanying sticker shock -- means many finance chiefs have paused for thought. "Enterprises are just spending too much on public cloud services, given applications they may have migrated to the cloud years ago," said David Linthicum, a leading consultant, author, and former CTO with Deloitte.Technical debt may be the root of many moves back to on-premise environments. "Normally this is a self-inflicted thing," Linthicum said. "They didn't refactor the applications to make them more efficient in running on the public cloud providers. So the public cloud providers, much like if we're pulling too much electricity off the grid, just hit them with huge bills to support the computational and storage needs of those under-optimized applications."Rather than spending more money to optimize or refactor applications, these same enterprises put them back on-premise, said Linthicum. Security and compliance are also an issue. Enterprises "realize that it's too expensive to remain compliant in the cloud, with data and sovereignty rules. So, they just make a decision to push it back on-premise."Also:5 reasons why Google's Trillium could transform AI and cloud computing - and 2 obstaclesThe perceived high costs of cloud operations "often stem from lift-and-shift migrations that in some cases didn't optimize applications for cloud environments," said Miha Kralj, global senior partner for hybrid cloud service at IBM Consulting. "These direct transfers typically maintain existing architectures that don't leverage cloud-native capabilities, resulting in inefficient resource utilization and unexpectedly high expenses." However, the solution to this problem "isn't necessarily repatriation to on-premises infrastructure," said Kralj. "Most performance, security, and cost challenges we encounter can be addressed through cloud-native refactoring -- redesigning applications to fully utilize cloud capabilities like auto-scaling, containerization, and serverless architectures. Organizations that invest in refactoring consistently report improved operational efficiency and better cost control."When it comes to costs, "many organizations are finding that cloud solutions can be costly, with unexpected expenses from data egress fees and premium features, among others," said Timothy E. Bates, professor at the University of Michigan and former CTO for Lenovo and General Motors. "On the other hand, on-prem solutions have upfront costs, but they are more cost-effective in the long run for stable workloads." Bates witnessed the trend toward achieving a better balance between cloud and on-prem while architecting and building hybrid solutions for GM: "Large enterprises are increasingly reevaluating the risks and limitations of relying solely on the cloud for critical workloads and intellectual property." Enterprises don't like being dependent upon someone else's cloud infrastructure, said Richard Robbins, founder and owner of TheTechnologyVault.com. "Many of the enterprises that are regulated, especially banks and other financial institutions, are moving some or all of their web apps from the cloud back to on-prem or to hybrid setups," he observed. "It is clear that there has been enough vulnerability and downsides to cloud hosting to make executives feel nervous about not having more control over the security and other aspects of cloud hosting." Bates also said security, control, and cost efficiency are at the roots of such cloud hesitation: "A cloud, while offering scalability, is a shared resource -- organizations have to trust third-party providers like Azure, Amazon, or Google with their most sensitive data. For businesses with highly proprietary information or strict compliance needs, the potential risks of not having end-to-end control over the storage of that information far exceed the benefits."Also:How to easily use Cloudflare's secure DNS on your Mac and why it even mattersTo a large degree, the hype around the cloud has dissipated, with many people focusing on AI instead. As a result, many decision-makers are taking a clear-eyed view of the cloud's benefits and drawbacks. "I remember talking to CIOs and DevOps personnel in 2017 -- several of them had been assigned, to their dismay, to do whatever was needed to move their technology into the cloud," said Robbins. "Most felt overwhelmed with the assignment and pushed back. That was during the cloud rush, when having apps hosted in the cloud was a status symbol and a marketing flex." Now, "with the movement to the cloud being hasty and not very well coordinated, enterprises are re-thinking their initial decision to move to the cloud," Robbins continued. "Companies like Dropbox, one of the first major enterprises to use the cloud, began moving back to their own hosting infrastructure as early as 2015. The benefits of their reversal -- including saving nearly $75 million in operational costs over a two-year period -- have influenced other enterprises to follow suit."Bates said reliability and performance are also considerations that favor on-premise systems. He said applications that require low latency, and mission-critical tools or apps that deal with proprietary processes, are sometimes better run from dedicated, in-house infrastructure. "When we built the hybrid model for GM, we got the benefits of the cloud without compromising on the security and reliability of on-prem systems," he said. "This hybrid model is something that is now being adopted by more companies."However, some experts believe evidence of a movement away from the cloud is unclear, especially when vendor perspectives are involved. "When we talk about the potential security benefits of local architecture, this is a drop in the bucket compared to larger conversations in cybersecurity at this moment," said Seth Geftic, vice president of product marketing at Huntress. "Although I don't believe that people are moving away from the cloud in such high waves, there are a number of potential reasons that a company could look toward local infrastructure."A balancing act between on-prem and cloud will likely continue, with the need to weigh the advantages for both sides. "Cloud providers have a huge deal of control over their resources, meaning that there is little companies can do when they decide to put up prices," said Geftic."Cloud is an expensive solution, but one that offsets that with a number of advantages -- speed, scalability, ease of use. What the industry could experience is a slight deviation from full-cloud architecture and a restructuring toward hybrid environments. A direct leap from fully cloud-based to fully local seems like a slight stretch, if I'm being honest."Featured