What best describes a lock-in scenario with a technology vendor?

A lock-in scenario with a technology vendor is characterized by a dependence on that vendor due to the challenges associated with switching to a different provider. This situation often arises when an organization invests significant resources—such as time, money, and training—into a particular vendor’s products or services. The proprietary nature of the vendor's offerings may create compatibility issues with other solutions, leading to potential difficulties in migrating to alternative options.

Additionally, lock-in can occur when data is stored in a format that is unique to that vendor or when services become integrated into essential business processes, making it hard to move away without incurring substantial costs or disruptions. As a result, organizations may feel compelled to remain with a vendor even if better options become available, simply due to the high switching costs involved. This reliance highlights the importance of considering vendor flexibility and interoperability during the selection process.