---
title: What is multi-cloud?
url: https://www.vmware.com/topics/multi-cloud
description: Learn about multi-cloud, which uses multiple public cloud services, often from different cloud providers.
---

# What is multi-cloud? 

Multi-cloud uses multiple [public cloud](https://www.vmware.com/topics/public-cloud) services, often from different cloud providers, to build, operate, access, and secure applications across clouds. Multi-cloud architectures can enable enterprises to move fast, spend less, and reduce risk across distributed IT landscapes.

Multi-Cloud infrastructure utilizes multiple public cloud [Infrastructure as a Service](https://www.vmware.com/topics/iaas) (IaaS) platforms. In this multi-cloud model, the differences between cloud providers are abstracted from the applications and operational procedures that work consistently across all environments.

## Multi-cloud benefits

Organizations see many benefits when leveraging multi-cloud services to abstract core services offered by cloud providers. These include:

- Reduced operational overhead by managing applications and infrastructure with the same toolsets across clouds. This includes the creation of “skill portability” where developers and operators can use the same skills across multiple cloud platforms.
- Improved observability at all layers consistently across clouds, which in turn can improve application performance and security.
- Enhanced security posture by leveraging a [Zero Trust](https://www.broadcom.com/topics/zero-trust) architecture and secure software supply chains.
- Increased application portability opportunities via consistent services and APIs.
- Choice of best-in-class cloud native services.

## Multi-cloud management

Multi-cloud management is the set of tools and procedures that enable an organization to monitor and secure applications and workloads across multiple public clouds, ideally from a single interface. Some organizations enable developers to use self-service, choosing the best cloud environment for their applications. However, as additional clouds are used for resources, all of the clouds in use must be managed by the organization.

Some examples of multi-cloud management tools include, but are not limited to, [Containers](https://www.vmware.com/topics/containers) and [Kubernetes](https://www.vmware.com/topics/kubernetes), due to their simplicity in function and use. Some multi-cloud management solutions also include migration capabilities and disaster recovery components.

## Multi-cloud vs hybrid cloud

Multi-cloud delivers a cloud environment that includes more than one public cloud provider, whether hybrid or otherwise. On the other hand, a [hybrid cloud](https://www.vmware.com/topics/hybrid-cloud) includes both public and private cloud elements.

IT organizations may use a hybrid cloud as a subset of a multi-cloud strategy that includes dissimilar environments. With multi-cloud, IT organizations may need additional management tools and processes beyond a hybrid cloud management foundation to ensure consistent multi-cloud operations. Effective multi-cloud management helps ensure visibility and control, including cost, security, and compliance, across any combination of hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

The differences can be summarized like this:

- Multi-clouds include more than one public cloud service, which often perform different functions. And while multi-clouds do not have to include a private cloud component, they can, in which case they can be both multi-cloud and hybrid cloud.
- Hybrid clouds include a private cloud and are typically managed as one entity.

## Recommended for You

- [Cloud](https://www.vmware.com/topics/cloud)
- [Public Cloud](https://www.vmware.com/topics/public-cloud)
- [Private Cloud](https://www.vmware.com/topics/private-cloud)
- [Hybrid Cloud](https://www.vmware.com/topics/hybrid-cloud)

## Related Solutions and Products

- [Why Private Cloud](https://www.vmware.com/solutions/cloud-infrastructure/why-private-cloud)
- [VMware Cloud Foundation](https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-infrastructure/vmware-cloud-foundation)
- [Cloud Infrastructure](https://www.vmware.com/solutions/cloud-infrastructure)

## Also of Interest

- [What is Platform Engineering?](https://www.vmware.com/topics/platform-engineering)
- [What is a Hybrid Cloud?](https://www.vmware.com/topics/hybrid-cloud)
- [Why Private Cloud](https://www.vmware.com/solutions/cloud-infrastructure/why-private-cloud)