Multi-cloud is a term for the use of more than one public cloud service provider for virtual data storage or computing power resources, with or without any existing private cloud and on-premises infrastructure. A multi-cloud strategy not only provides more flexibility for which cloud services an enterprise chooses to use, it also reduces dependence on just one cloud vendor.
Multi-cloud service providers may host three types of services:
With IaaS, the cloud provider hosts servers, storage and networking hardware with accompanying services, including backup, security and load balancing. PaaS adds operating systems and middleware to their IaaS offering, and SaaS includes applications so that nothing is hosted on a customer’s site. Cloud providers may also offer these services independently.
While a company could choose just one cloud service provider for their IaaS needs, not all providers offer the same services, the same price or the same quality. Companies need to choose cloud service vendors based on their particular needs. Multi-cloud adoption is increasing as cloud services grow in popularity.
Cloud computing requires a few components to function: back-end servers, a network, cloud-based delivery and a front-end client like a mobile device or a computer. Cloud-based delivery allows users to use a front-end client to access software that is running on a remote server in the cloud or data that is likewise stored in the cloud. Cloud computing and cloud storage features vary from vendor to vendor.
Cloud storage providers may offer automatic synching, version control and the ability to view and edit files from any device. Other features of public cloud providers that vary include security, tech support and pricing. A pay-as-you-go pricing model might work better for using the public cloud to accommodate spikes in demand, while another vendor’s pricing model may make more sense for something static like storage.
Although public cloud providers generally provide robust security features, adopting a multi-cloud strategy is not without risks. Each cloud provider you add increases your attack surface and makes your organization more vulnerable to infiltration. Monitoring security becomes more complex because different cloud providers use different security monitoring tools. Obtaining an overview of what is happening in your entire multi-cloud environment is challenging, and it is even harder to apply and manage consistent security policies across all of the different vendors. A tool or platform that synchronizes and automates security policies can go a long way in helping to maintain a secure multi-cloud environment.
Managing a multi-cloud deployment is easier if you start with multi-cloud in mind when you are building your architecture and strategically engage all of the cloud service providers at once with one multi-cloud management platform. However, this approach is not practical for many organizations who end up adding cloud vendors ad hoc as they are needed. Fortunately, there are many tools available for managing multi-cloud environments, and Gartner regularly explores the best of these multi-cloud solutions in their Magic Quadrant reports. Using containers in conjunction with a container management platform like Kubernetes is another way to simplify a multi-cloud deployment.
A multi-cloud architecture is the framework or foundation for the use of multiple public cloud services. These services may range from AWS, Azure and Google Cloud to Oracle public clouds and VMware hybrid clouds. The specific architecture or pattern that each organization uses to plan and build its multi-cloud environment is tailored to its business requirements, goals and restrictions.
Managing the day-to-day operations of a multi-cloud architecture requires significant IT resources. However, the right architecture strategy can simplify management, reduce risks, and improve operational efficiencies.
Multi-cloud refers to the use of multiple public cloud service providers in a multi-cloud architecture, whereas hybrid cloud describes the use of public cloud in conjunction with private cloud. In a hybrid cloud environment, specific applications leverage both the private and public clouds to operate. In a multi-cloud environment, two or more public cloud vendors provide a variety of cloud-based services to a business.
Enterprises might choose to use a hybrid cloud to get consistent operations across environments, and because a private cloud is less expensive than using a public cloud, but does not scale as easily. If a business needs the ability to handle spikes in demand, it might use a private cloud to run most of the workloads, accessing the public cloud only when necessary. Or, if a business offers services that collect customer data, they can host the services on a public cloud or clouds while keeping sensitive information on a private cloud.
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| Cloud Security Cloud Computing Infrastructure Cloud Cost Management Multi-Cloud Management Multi-Cloud Infrastructure Hybrid Cloud Public Cloud Private Cloud Private Cloud Solutions |