The customer's architecture guideline calls for following a "cloud-first" approach, but this does not mean that all solutions must be deployed in the cloud. In some cases, private cloud or on-premise options may be necessary to meet the customer's data protection requirements.

For example, if the customer's subsidiary in China requires that data be stored within China, then a private cloud solution in China may be the best option. Similarly, if the customer's other subsidiaries have different data protection requirements, then a hybrid solution that combines cloud and on-premise deployments may be necessary.

The Enterprise Architect must carefully consider the customer's specific requirements and constraints before making a decision about the deployment environment.

Here are some of the factors that the Enterprise Architect should consider:

The customer's data protection requirements: The Enterprise Architect must understand the customer's specific data protection requirements and ensure that any solution meets those requirements.

The availability of cloud-based solutions that meet the customer's requirements: Not all cloud-based solutions meet the same data protection requirements. The Enterprise Architect must ensure that the cloud-based solutions that are being considered meet the customer's requirements.

The cost of different deployment options: The Enterprise Architect must consider the cost of different deployment options, including cloud, private cloud, and on-premise.

The scalability and performance requirements of the solution: The Enterprise Architect must ensure that the solution meets the customer's scalability and performance requirements, regardless of the deployment environment.

By carefully considering all of these factors, the Enterprise Architect can make a decision about the deployment environment that meets the customer's specific requirements and constraints.