>But if you don't use Azure, you aren't a monthly revenue stream for Microsoft, which is Microsoft's prime motivation.

Ah, that was it. :)

>FWIW I've done the math for several likely projects I will be involved in over the next couple of years - Purchasing hardware (with resultant depreciation write-offs and asset value) and software plus maintenenace plus internet access comes out considerably less expensive than having *very* significant recurring monthly expenses.

Yes, if it would be to start from day one, I would switch to the other alternative.

>It's nice to have full control of your programs and data too.

Yes, of course, while SLA and things like that might guarantee that we would be the only ones having access to our data, the fact remains that this would be hosted somewhere under someone else control. So, if I would be bound to high sophisticated agreement, such is the case presently, this is something I wouldn't be able to consider because of the sensitive data and this has to remain in our own boxes where only our people can gain access to it.