In the past the client had acquired a server for each application. Of course a development server is also needed to implement changes before taking them to production. The cost of projects was high and Data Center space was becoming scarce. On top of that heat and electric was becoming a problem.
It was difficult to overcome the high costs relative to purchasing a new server for each separate project. Funding came from each part of the business that requested the application. Planning became important to move this project from the backburner into reality. The effect has been much larger than anticipated. There are so many extra benefits from this implementation.