Considerations For Adopting A Multi-Cloud Environment

Progressive businesses looking to minimise risks, increase computing power and storage should consider a Multi-Cloud strategy. A Multi-Cloud strategy allows companies to use two or more cloud computing platforms to perform various tasks, as some are better for specific tasks than others.

Before we delve deeper into Multi-Cloud technology, it is important to consider Multi-Link (Dual Internet Links) and Multi-Site (other branches or remote working). With a clear shift towards remote working, it has become essential for companies to consider Multi-Link and Multi-Site strategies, as well as Multi-Cloud. While it may seem rather complicated at first, with the right advice from a company such as Westech, it really fairly straightforward.

What are the Benefits of a Multi-Cloud Environment?

Aside from enabling companies to combine the best service that each platform has to offer, a Multi-Cloud platform reduces downtime and minimises the risks of data loss. This is achieved through enabling other cloud hosting services and allowing the business to continue operating, in the event that one service fails during an outage or due to human error.

The flexibility of a Multi-Cloud environment also avoids users being tied into a contract with one specific vendor and can help businesses to achieve their governance and compliance goals.

Every cloud hosting service is unique in terms of its physical components, functionality, pricing and even policies. This makes it very difficult to determine which single cloud service would be best for an individual company since there will always be trade-offs, no matter which cloud hosting services are chosen. Subscribing to a Multi-Cloud infrastructure will address the diverse requirements of each business, thereby optimising their return on cloud investment.

Multi-Cloud Infrastructure Provides Superior Security

While many businesses are still hesitant about adopting even a single-cloud approach, a Multi-Cloud infrastructure should be considered for its superior security. It enables sensitive data to be retained in a private cloud, while running daily business operations and data on more cost-effective public cloud servers.

Cons of a Multi-Cloud Strategy

However, there are some trade-offs when considering a Multi-Cloud strategy. If a company chooses to use a combination of public and private clouds for security reasons, the private cloud will drive up the costs of the Multi-Cloud infrastructure.

Using a Multi-Cloud strategy may also become more complex as specific customisations and related data from one cloud may have trouble moving down to another cloud. This movement also attracts more risks as a lot of data can be exposed.

Then there is the human factor to consider. Employees need to stay up to date with their skills to provide the best backup and security solutions, which can prove challenging in terms of training costs, compliance and requirements when multiple platforms are being used.

Multi-Cloud is the Future

These challenges can be overcome by selectively seeking the best strategic partners, educating internal business partners and shareholders about the value and differentiation that a Multi-Cloud infrastructure can provide, and drawing up policies that address the alignment and integration of the relevant workloads.

Although many businesses are still trying to come to terms with working in one cloud, Multi-Cloud infrastructure presents an exciting option to proactively mitigate security risks and distribute workloads in the future.

If you would like to understand more about how your company can benefit from a Multi-Cloud, Multi- Link or Multi-Site strategy, contact Westech for advice about your options, as well as how to deploy and manage a Multi-Cloud strategy.

Westech offers a whole host of IT Solutions and a tailored IT Support SLA . If you are looking to find a new IT Company, to outsource the management of your IT infrastructure, book a meeting with Westech to discuss your requirements.