[jeromenerf]

> Yet the guys that have services running 24/7 for years without a hiccup will be the first ones on the chopping block when finances get tight.

Not really my experience, as long as the stable services costs of operation are good. I have witnessed more chopping on the R&D side, where things are never "stable and reliable", but innovative and expensive.

No need to change or outsource something that works technically and financially. Until it becomes irrelevant.