Many businesses use cloud technology to scale effectively and optimize operations while cutting costs. For some companies, a single cloud platform is just not enough. Such businesses opt for multiple cloud service providers, each with unique strengths.
A multi-cloud configuration can support different regions and compliance standards. It also supports hybrid architectures that combine public, private, and on-premise cloud infrastructure. While it's quite beneficial, setting up a multi-cloud setup is easier said than done. A strong strategy is necessary to ensure the smooth rollout and functionality of the multi-cloud environment.
In this article, we'll show you how you can create a winning multi-cloud strategy for your business or organization. That way, you can get an edge over your competitors in the current competitive market.
What Is a Multi-Cloud Framework?
Simply put, a multi-cloud framework is a cloud setup that uses multiple cloud services within the same organization. At its simplest, the framework consists of two cloud services. However, this setup can be as complex as having dozens of cloud service providers achieving different functions. Needs vary from one business to the next, but multi-cloud strategies can apply across the board.
Steps to Creating an Effective Multi-Cloud Strategy
About 89% of companies globally use a multi-cloud setup for their day-to-day operations. You, too, can be next in line by following the steps below:
Step 1: Define Your Objectives
First things first: You'll need clear objectives on what you want your cloud setup to accomplish. These objectives may include effective scaling, better data security, improved efficiency, etc. These objectives will help you decide which cloud platform you should opt for. They should also go hand-in-hand with your organization's workload to avoid overwhelming the system.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cloud Service Provider
There are so many cloud service providers on the market, but you'll need top-tier providers for the best results. Also, ensure the cloud service providers you opt for match your company's needs and bring you closer to your bottom line. Choose the best cloud platforms based on aspects like:
Service specialization
Compatibility with your business and operations
Scalability
Compliance standards
Cost
Don't forget to read online reviews from authority sites to learn more about the service provider you have in mind. Remember that you can always "test drive" a provider for a couple of weeks, then decide whether to proceed or opt for another.
Step 3: Create an Integration and Interoperability Layout
Many cloud environments must work together in a multi-cloud setup. Therefore, you should design a proper network topology to seamlessly synchronize these cloud environments. Technologies like API gateways, service meshes, cross-cloud orchestration tools, and software really come in handy in this regard.
Step 4:Design Governance Models
Next, you'll have to define responsibilities, roles, and access controls across the cloud architecture. You can achieve this through governance models that outline security protocols, compliance policies, and operational procedures. With that in lock, you can also define cost management and security models for a protected and cost-efficient cloud configuration.
Step 5: Monitor Operations With an Observability Framework
Maintaining visibility across the cloud environment is absolutely important. With an observability framework, you can keep track of crucial metrics that not only detail system performance but also identify system anomalies and security risks. An effective framework consists of log aggregation and metrics collection tools and gives real-time alerts and updates.
Step 6: Contingency and Disaster Recovery Planning
Data breaches and losses cost companies an average of $4.88 million. As such, you'll need a solid disaster recovery and business continuity plan should disaster strike. To create one, focus on key areas: recovery point objectives and recovery time objectives. Also, establish redundancy and failover mechanisms and test them regularly to ensure its business as usual in the event of a system failure.
Step 7: Define Implementation Phases and Roll Out the System
The final step is to implement the system in sequential phases. The best approach is to start with pilot projects and non-critical workloads. Next, you can plan the migration and adoption of these workloads. Slowly move to more complex workloads until you completely transition to your multi-cloud configuration.
Multi-Cloud Architecture for the Win
The competitive business environment leaves little room for slacking. If a single cloud platform isn't doing it for your business, then maybe it's time to embrace a multi-cloud configuration. Just remember to take a gradual, phased approach when transitioning from a single to multiple cloud setup. Also, your setup is only as good as the service providers you opt for. So take your time and pick the best service providers.
Last Updated 3 days ago
