The reputed IT organizations such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM have developed cloud computing solutions. Each of them has unique benefits and drawbacks. Thus, choosing only one cloud solution may not accomplish any organisation’s complete cloud computing requirements.
Organisations implementing multi-cloud strategies attain high performance, speed, and cost optimization. Herein, we will learn what multi-cloud strategy is its advantages and disadvantages.
What is a multi-cloud strategy?
In the IT environment, multi-cloud refers to a strategy incorporating public cloud services. A multi-cloud refers to the combination of software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). It even refers to the use of several public and private clouds solutions.
The multi-cloud strategy uses more than one cloud computing platform to execute various tasks. Organisations can choose services from multiple providers to experience each of their distinct advantages.
Organisations implementing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies should implement a multi-cloud strategy, as they can optimise unique services with affordable prices to manage applications and infrastructure well.
Benefits of a multi-cloud strategy
1. Affordable prices:
Cloud service providers define different prices and tiers, and you can select what interests you depending on the price and application requirements. For instance, consider using a machine learning application requiring specific computing resources to make quick predictions and responses; you are free to choose models satisfying your affordability.
2. Minimize downtime
Downtime leads to a huge loss of finance and reputation, leading to customers’ distrust. A multi-cloud strategy can avoid downtime to run the applications 24×7. Moreover, they are reliable, as the downtime of one cloud service provider will least affect the services of remaining cloud services.
3. Reduce Lag:
In the current high-speed world, a user expects instant access to data. Multi-cloud service can aid this. If you rely on a single cloud service, users can experience a delay while accessing applications away from the cloud server. However, the multi-cloud service avoids such latency to deliver user requested information in a short period.
4. Mitigate vendor lock-in
Dependency on a single cloud service could be challenging. What if the vendor suddenly increases the price or changes the features? It will cost you more and consumes valuable time to shift to another vendor. Employing multi-cloud service will eliminate such challenges.
5. Leverage spot instances
Spot instances are the unused spaces on the cloud available at a lower price. Applications requiring quick storage, huge memory, and a speed network can optimize them.
Spot instances are the best options for AI and ML applications requiring more computing capabilities. Not all cloud service providers have spot instances. If you rely on a single cloud service provider, you may not have access to it. However, with multi-cloud service, it is possible.
Drawbacks of a multi-cloud strategy
Acquire talented people
The multi-cloud strategy comprises various requirements, infrastructure, and specifications. An individual will find it difficult to understand them. Each cloud service has unique configuration, migration, and maintenance methods. So, employing talented individuals will justify multi-cloud strategy implementation.
Risks:
Managing security in a single cloud environment is easy. While the multi-cloud environment can lead to a security breach if not correctly managed. Proper utilization of security controls can safeguard the applications.
Complexities
In a multi-cloud environment, every cloud service is distinct. Thus, operational management is challenging. Moreover, managing administrative tasks will also turn complex with the growing number of cloud services. Poor management could lead to payments even for the unused services. Thus, the costs also increase.
Conclusion:
Multi-cloud strategy creates a choice for the organisation. Due to various options, an opportunity exists to optimise digital transformation without getting stuck with a single service provider.
As requirements grow and prove challenging and complex, organisations use a multi-cloud strategy to allocate resources to various cloud service providers and pay for what they utilise. The multi-cloud strategy enables stakeholders to choose solutions that work fine for their organisation. Thus, its advantages are worth identifying and implementing.
