Cloud computing has transformed business operations by offering scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency, leading to significant global investment. However, the reliance on cloud-first strategies has exposed vulnerabilities, such as rising costs and connectivity issues with WiFi and 5G, which are not as reliable as initially assumed. This dependency can be problematic in environments like retail, aviation, and warehousing, where network disruptions can lead to significant operational and financial setbacks. As a result, companies are shifting towards hybrid solutions that integrate edge computing to complement cloud services, ensuring resilience and continuity even during connectivity failures. Businesses are adopting "cloud-optional" architectures, which utilize the strengths of both cloud and edge computing, allowing for offline functionality and reduced dependency on continuous internet access. This approach aims to balance the benefits of cloud computing while mitigating its limitations, highlighting a shift in strategy for future IT infrastructure.