Unlocking Multicloud Success: A Strategic Guide for the Modern Enterprise

Navigating the Multicloud Maze: Insights from a Multicloud Maverick

The realm of multicloud computing has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with an astonishing 93% of enterprises now embracing this dynamic approach. It's evident that the multicloud landscape has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of IT strategies, including concurrent hybrid cloud implementations. On average, organizations are operating across 2.2 public clouds and 2.2 private clouds.

So, what exactly is multicloud? Defining it can be a complex task, as it varies depending on individual perspectives. For some, it involves the integration of multiple public clouds alongside on-premises private clouds. For others, it means a combination of a private and a public cloud.

However, in the most fundamental terms, if you are using multiple public cloud platforms to host your applications and workloads, you have embarked on a multicloud strategy.

Step One: Define Your "Why?"

When contemplating a multicloud strategy, several key questions come into play, but the first and foremost is to ask, "Why?" Often, organizations approach multicloud with preconceived notions and arbitrary beliefs. You might have heard clients say:

• "We intend to distribute similar applications across different clouds to handle peak loads and reduce costs."
• "For enhanced security, we're segregating disaster recovery, passive workloads, or backups into a different cloud."
• "Diversification is essential; we don't want to rely solely on one cloud provider."

The reality is that these principles don't apply universally. Many concerns revolve around cloud arbitrage and potential vendor lock-in, but it's essential to also consider vendor lock-out. Sometimes, maximizing the offerings of a single vendor can be the most strategic choice. Organizations often underestimate the complexity and effort required to manage and integrate services across multiple cloud providers.

If a specific use case or application workload performs significantly better in one environment and doesn't strongly integrate with your existing portfolio, moving it to the optimal platform should be your focus.

Step Two: Develop a Strategic Plan

Moving forward, success in multicloud adoption hinges on comprehending the strategies for a thriving multicloud environment. Key aspects include understanding your application workloads, your organizational capabilities, your data strategy, and your familiarity with the cloud providers. However, the two most critical points to emphasize with clients are workload assessment and the exit strategy.

Workload Assessment

Before transitioning from on-premises to the cloud or migrating from one cloud provider to another, understanding your current state and its role in your overall ecosystem is crucial. The following questions can guide your approach:

• "Have I meticulously planned for my applications?"
• "Do I have a clear picture of my overall portfolio and landscape?"
• "What benefits will I gain by migrating my workload?"
• "Can I take full advantage of multiple providers for similar services, given my organization's capabilities and objectives?"

Migration and Exit Strategy

When contemplating a move from data centers to the cloud, it's imperative to have a well-thought-out exit strategy for the data center in place. Your cloud or multicloud strategy should always consider the exit plan. Key questions to address include:

• "Where will I store my data, and how can I retrieve it?"
• "What is the volume of data I need to manage?"
• "What does my application structure look like?"
• "Do I have the necessary API management?"
• "Are network topologies clearly defined?"

Most importantly, you should be equipped to answer the question:

• "Do we have the operations, governance, security, and skills required to manage complex multicloud environments?"

By investing time in strategy and planning, you can streamline the process of moving applications between cloud platforms. While it may not be instantaneous, it will be more straightforward, providing a solid foundation for successful workload management.

Understanding the logistics of migrating applications from a cloud service provider equips you to operate efficiently within that cloud provider. To delve deeper into this concept, you can explore the LinkedIn Live session on "Strategies for a Successful Multicloud Environment," in which Jason Rader, Peter Kraatz, and I delve into the intricacies of multicloud.

In conclusion, if you're contemplating a multicloud approach:

• Start by identifying which workloads to migrate and the benefits you'll gain.
• Understand your dependencies, including logical, structural, external, and vendor-related aspects.
• Develop robust strategies for migration and management.

With a thorough understanding of these factors, you'll be well-prepared to embark on a sustainable multicloud journey, ensuring your enterprise's success.