In many similar contexts, buying hardware is different than buying services (e.g., AWS time), in terms of how you interact with funding agencies. Because of th

In many similar contexts, buying hardware is different than buying services (e.g., AWS time), in terms of how you interact with funding agencies. Because of those realities, you might sometimes be unable to "go cloud" even if it's actually cheaper. Also, licensing can be a big problem. Some software packages understand licensing for a "real" cluster, but have no concept of how to license for the cloud. Finally, think about all of your interactions over the last ten years with companies behind the major cloud services. Which of them would you really trust, if it's your money/job/reputation on the line?