When moving an application to the cloud, vendor lock-in is a significant risk that can limit flexibility and increase costs. Vendor lock-in occurs when a customer becomes dependent on a single cloud provider due to lack of standardization, interoperability issues, or proprietary technologies, making it difficult to switch vendors without substantial switching costs. This can lead to lost opportunities for businesses as they miss out on better pricing options or service quality from other providers. To avoid vendor lock-in, it's essential to research the cloud vendor thoroughly, focus on data and app portability, monitor contract terms and pricing, consider alternative cloud approaches, such as hybrid or multi-cloud strategies, which can provide greater flexibility and control over applications and data. By taking a smart cloud strategy, businesses can break free from provider limitations and reap cost optimizations and increased control over their budgets.